Fremantle independent candidate Kate Hulett announces plan to end ‘gas industry ownership of media’ in WA’s daily newspaper

Kate Hulett’s Campaign and the Media Ad

Kate Hulett, a teal independent candidate running for the Fremantle seat in Western Australia, has made waves with a bold move in her campaign. In an advert published in The West Australian, a daily newspaper owned by Seven West Media, Hulett addressed concerns about the media’s ties to the gas industry. Her ad highlighted the need for transparency and integrity in government dealings, particularly in relation to the gas sector. By publishing her message in the very newspaper she is criticizing, Hulett aimed to bring attention to what she sees as a significant conflict of interest.

Hulett’s campaign is centered on promoting progressive values and challenging the status quo. As a teal independent, she represents a growing movement of candidates who aim to address issues like climate change and political integrity. Her decision to run for the Fremantle seat reflects her commitment to advocating for her community’s interests over those of powerful corporations. By taking on the media’s ties to the gas industry, Hulett is signaling her willingness to confront tough issues head-on.

The Gas Industry and Media Ownership: A Conflict of Interest

At the heart of Hulett’s critique is the relationship between Seven West Media and the gas industry. Seven West Media, which owns The West Australian and other prominent media outlets, is majority-owned by Seven Group Holdings (SGH). SGH has significant investments in the gas sector, including interests in the Crux gas field in the Browse Basin and a 100% stake in the Longtom gas field off Victoria’s coast. Additionally, SGH is a major shareholder of Beach Energy, a company with gas operations across Australia, including onshore fields in Western Australia.

Hulett argues that this overlap between media ownership and gas industry interests creates a clear conflict of interest. She believes that Seven West Media’s financial ties to the gas sector incentivize the company to promote policies and narratives that benefit the industry, rather than serving the public interest. This, she claims, undermines the integrity of journalism and leads to biased reporting that favors corporate interests over the needs of everyday citizens.

Hulett’s concerns are not unfounded. Research has shown that media outlets with ties to specific industries often exhibit bias in their reporting, whether intentionally or unintentionally. When a media company has a financial stake in a particular industry, it can influence the way stories are framed and which issues receive attention. This can lead to a lack of critical scrutiny and a failure to hold powerful actors accountable.

Proposed Legislation to Address Media Ownership

To address these concerns, Hulett has proposed legislation that would prevent gas companies from owning or controlling media outlets in Western Australia. She believes that such a law would help restore integrity to the media landscape and ensure that journalism serves the public interest rather than corporate agendas.

Hulett’s proposal is part of a broader push for media reform in Australia. In recent years, there have been growing calls for greater transparency and accountability in media ownership, particularly as the concentration of media ownership has increased. Critics argue that when a small number of powerful companies control the majority of media outlets, it can stifle diversity of opinion and lead to a lack of representation for marginalized voices.

While Hulett’s proposal is specific to the gas industry, it reflects a broader concern about the influence of corporate interests on public discourse. By targeting the gas sector, she is highlighting the industry’s significant political and economic power, as well as its potential impact on climate policy and environmental decision-making.

The Gas Industry’s Influence on Public Policy

Hulett’s critique of the gas industry extends beyond media ownership. She points to a pattern of government decisions that prioritize the interests of gas companies over those of the general public. She argues that the industry’s financial influence and lobbying power have skewed policy-making, leading to outcomes that favor corporate profits over community needs.

One of the key areas where this has played out is in the approval of gas projects. Despite concerns about the environmental and health impacts of gas extraction, many projects have been approved with minimal scrutiny. Hulett attributes this to the close relationship between the gas industry and government, which she believes has eroded public trust in decision-making processes.

This concern is not unique to Western Australia. Across the country, communities have raised concerns about the influence of the fossil fuel industry on public policy. Activists and advocates argue that the industry’s political power has delayed action on climate change and hindered efforts to transition to renewable energy.

The Public’s Response to Hulett’s Campaign

Hulett’s campaign has resonated with many in the Fremantle community who are fed up with the perceived cozy relationship between government and the gas industry. Her message of restoring integrity and transparency has struck a chord with voters who feel that their voices are not being heard in decision-making processes.

The use of the term “pub test” in Hulett’s statement reflects her belief that the current situation is so clearly problematic that it fails even the most basic test of fairness and transparency. She is tapping into a sense of frustration among voters who feel that the system is rigged against them. By framing her campaign as a fight for integrity and accountability, Hulett is positioning herself as a champion of the people against powerful corporate interests.

Hulett’s campaign is part of a larger trend of independents and minor parties challenging the dominance of major political parties in Australia. These candidates often run on platforms that prioritize community interests over corporate influence, and they have found success in tapping into voter dissatisfaction with the political status quo.

The Bigger Picture: Media Reform and Corporate Influence

Hulett’s campaign highlights a broader issue that extends beyond Western Australia or even Australia itself. The concentration of media ownership and the influence of corporate interests on public discourse are global phenomena. In many countries, media outlets are controlled by powerful corporations that use their platforms to advance their interests, often at the expense of the public good.

Addressing these challenges will require bold action, including reforms to media ownership laws and stronger regulations to prevent conflicts of interest. Hulett’s proposed legislation is one step in this direction, but more comprehensive changes are needed to ensure that media serves the public interest.

As Hulett’s campaign demonstrates, grass-roots movements and independent candidates can play a crucial role in driving change. By raising awareness about the issue of media ownership and its implications for democracy, Hulett is helping to build momentum for broader reforms. Her campaign serves as a reminder that even in the face of powerful corporate interests, collective action can lead to meaningful change.

In the end, Hulett’s critique of the gas industry’s influence on media ownership is not just about Seven West Media or Western Australia. It is about the fundamental principles of democracy and the role of media in holding power to account. By challenging the status quo and advocating for transparency and integrity, Hulett is contributing to a crucial conversation about the future of media and democracy in Australia and beyond.