Suchergebnisse

Still photography is an important medium for visually communicating — and scrutinising — the power of elected representatives. However, it has been severely restricted by parliaments. Surprisingly, the photographs taken by press photographers have been viewed as a larger threat to parliamentary dignity than other seemingly more powerful media, such as television. This article analyses parliaments' "extraordinary sensitivity to photography"1 by conducting a comparative, historical examination of press photography in five national parliaments — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The article discusses historical milestones in media access for each of these parliaments, but focuses particularly upon the unusual case of the Australian Parliament and its rules on still photography. The author draws upon interviews conducted with Australian press photographers, as well as an analysis of primary material — including parliamentary guidelines on media access, photographs, newspaper reports, parliamentary debates, inquiry reports and submissions.

In Australia, there is a laissez faire approach to regulating government advertising but, over the past ten years as accusations of misuse for partisan purposes have grown, many external policy actors have tried to achieve a change in policy. This article traces the history of these (failed) reform attempts. This case study is of interest because it is an example of a government demonstrating long‐term resistance to reforms that are quite modest by international standards and despite attempts by usually influential policy actors to propel reform. This article draws particular attention to the role of the Auditor‐General and demonstrates the growing politicisation of the issue in an environment where those who seek to investigate and comment upon government advertising are severely discouraged.

Explores restrictions to political communication channels in Australia that impede political competition & perpetuate the campaigning process. Recent changes to parliamentary entitlements, namely for printing & postal spending, are sources examined for increased campaigning activity of incumbents. The calculations behind public funding of election campaigns & obscured donations from corporate & individual sources demonstrate preferential treatment for the major parties & incumbents. Government advertising -- in the form of public information campaigns -- is identified as a major communication source exclusive to current politicians. The future implications on electioneering due to the restrictions of political communication channels are considered. L. Collins