Hacking scandal separate from Australian media debate

The phone hacking scandal must not be linked to calls for increased media regulation. The two issues are completely separate.

It is unlikely that the Greens - Labor agenda, at least in the short term, is to bring down Murdoch's Australian newspaper empire. However, a media inquiry that opens up the ability for a regulator to control benefits and consequences may offer a powerful stick and carrot which could impact on the way news is reported here.

When Julia Gillard addressed the National Press Club in Canberra this month she had a relatively simple message regarding journalistic ethics, "Don't write crap… Can't be that hard… And when you have written complete crap… you should correct it".

The question for the Prime Minister is, who is the judge when it comes to what is 'crap' and what isn't? In a western democracy like Australia which has always protected the right of citizens to a free press, is it really the role of government to censor the media?

Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy certainly seems to think so. Senator Conroy has said he is anxious to discuss the possibility of an inquiry with Bob Brown upon his return from holidays. Although, why wouldn't he be? Conroy is after all the Minister who is attempting to censor Australians' access to the internet via a 'clean feed' internet filter.

One area which should be considered in this debate is the role for individual privacy in our society. This is the issue at the heart of the phone hacking scandal and is much more relevant than a witch hunt against one media owner.

Late last week the government released a discussion paper about the creation of legislation allowing Australians to sue for serious invasions of privacy. This is a much more worthy path and would empower individuals with the right to protect their privacy and reputations through the courts.

Upon reflection it may be unfair to categorise the Prime Minister's comments as solely about switching the agenda away from an unpopular policy.

It may be that this government really does think there is a place for stronger media regulation, after all regulating behavior is in their DNA. In addition to the carbon tax look at initiatives like the alcopops tax, the push for plain packaged cigarettes or even entertaining Andrew Wilkie's call for pre-commitment on gambling.

This government loves control, and Australia's free press may well be their next target.