Racism in the media, free Julian Assange, Australia–India relations and human rights, and the Voice To Parliament

New Politics: Australian Politics

In this episode, we delve into the persistent issue of racism in the media, particularly focusing on the recent departure of ABC journalist Stan Grant. Grant faced a barrage of racist abuse after his presentation on the effects of colonisation during the ABC’s coronation broadcast. This incident is not an isolated one, as individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of colour, women, and migrants, often endure abuse and racism in the media and politics. News Corporation and Rupert Murdoch, known for amplifying racism in the media, have been implicated in the attacks against Grant, reminiscent of their actions against Adam Goodes in the AFL, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the ‘African Gangs’ agenda back in 2018.
The media industry as a whole is criticised for its lack of diversity, with most outlets being predominantly white and middle-class. While some media organisations pay lip service to addressing these issues, others, like News Corporation, display outright hostility. Social media platforms also contribute to the problem. Despite discussions about the need for change and improvement, little action has been taken to rectify the situation. Whether the media reflects broader society or merely perpetuates its own biases remains a contentious question, but it is clear that without implementing meaningful changes, the situation will remain unchanged.
We also focus on the ongoing case of Julian Assange – Stella Assange, a human rights defender has been advocating for his release. Julian Assange has been imprisoned in London’s Belmarsh Prison since 2019 and despite extensive diplomatic efforts by both the Coalition and Labor governments, it has become evident that soft diplomacy alone will not secure his freedom. Forty-eight Australian MPs and Senators, as well as media associations worldwide, have called for an end to Assange’s pursuit and his release. The continued incarceration of Assange serves no real purpose.
We explore the recent meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and discuss the development of a green hydrogen program and had been scheduled as part of the cancelled Quad meeting. The Australia–India relationship holds significant importance due to the large population of Indian heritage in Australia and India’s projected economic growth. However, just as human rights concerns are raised regarding China, a similar discussion needs to take place regarding India. Modi, a popular and nationalistic leader, enjoys considerable support among the Indian community in Australia but it is essential that these issues are raised.
Lastly, we touch upon the ongoing discussion surrounding the Voice To Parliament initiative. Despite being in opposition, figures such as Peter Dutton, Sussan Ley, and David Littleproud continue to receive media platforms as if they were part of the government. This raises concerns about the impartiality and balance in media coverage.