LOCAL MUSINGS
Do you know a young eco-warrior? Nominate them now for the Les Hall Young Conservationist Award and recognise their efforts. It might be a team or individual who’s striving for change at their school, or going above and beyond to protect a native animal, or using technology to raise awareness about wildlife conservation on the Sunshine Coast. Nominations are open until 28 February for those aged under 18. Head to Council's website to nominate or for further details.
Mass transit solution options coming soon We’re planning for a sustainable mass transit solution to address our public transport needs. Residents and visitors will soon have a chance to have a say. Visit Council’s website to sign up now to receive project updates and to have your say when consultation begins.
Immerse yourself in fabric Now is a great time to take a fresh look at how we live and the fabric – Slow Fashion, Artful Living program could be the perfect place to start. Celebrating the rich talents of Sunshine Coast artisans and designers, fabric brings art and sustainability together in a curated program of design and artful lifestyle activities. Over the next few months immerse yourself in a program of workshops, exhibitions, talks, professional development and more. Search ‘Fabric’ on Council’s website for more details.
One for the calendar
Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online – Thursday, 25 February
Major community grant funding open now Does your community organisation need funding to help make something great happen? Make it a reality with support from Council’s Community Grants Program. Register for a FREE Grant Writing Session online to help with planning. Visit Council's website for more information and apply before 15 March.
Help look after our bushland reserves This new year, join a team which volunteers their time to look after their local bushland. There are 40 volunteer groups around the region, with regular working bees. No commitment – just join in where and when you can. Search “bushcare” on Council’s website to register your interest.
Grab your rates discount Your July 1 – December 31, 2020 rates are due soon and if you pay by 19 February you’ll receive the on-time payment discount. Register through MyCouncil to receive future rates notices by email so you can pay anywhere, anytime and ensure you never miss the ontime payment discount.
Join the movement! Healthy Sunshine Coast is back for 2021, offering ways to invigorate your life with free and low cost activities in your local community. How will you choose to move? Activities are suitable for all ages and fitness levels and great for beginners or people returning to exercise. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and have fun. Head to Council's website for more details. 07 5475 7272 mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
LOCAL MUSINGS
We have lost the unique voice of Mungo MacCallum, however it's still good to deliberate on news, life and the idiosyncrasies of our current times. With this in mind, we've opened up the floor to you, our readers, to take up the mantle in your own way. Email: editor@hinterlandtimes.com.au
But It Couldn’t Happen Here, Could It? by Doug Patterson
T
he Trump Presidency has been based on and mired in blatant misinformation. The consequence of this political tactic, now called Trumpism, has been witnessed around the world. Millions of Americans now believe that the misinformation that they have been fed is real and true and have turned civilized debate into violent mob dissent. When facts, truth and reason are sacrificed for political expediency then the void is filled by emotive conspiracy theories and extremism.
Christensen’s move to prevent social media platforms fact-checking posts is exactly the wrong move. If fact, truth and reason are the keystones of democracy then all media should be required to challenge and fact-check a story before it goes to print/air. Democracy relies on the media to present facts and promote reasonable, intelligent debate. Facts matter, facts aren’t contentious, there is no such thing as an alternative fact.
America is now faced with the agonizing task of analysing how its democratic processes were allowed to be undermined and how they can be rebuilt to regain the trust of so many Americans who now feel disenfranchised and betrayed by their government. Of course, it couldn’t happen in Australia!
Unfortunately, those who spread misinformation tend to justify their right to lie under a popular misunderstanding of “Freedom of Speech”. However, the so-called right to “Free Speech” does not legitimise denying reality, ignoring facts, burying the truth.
However, the politicisation of “fact” and “truth” is already a part of Australian politics and apparently has been endorsed by a very senior political figure and leader of the National Party, Michael McCormack, who, it has been suggested, has given conservative politicians a “licence to lie”.
In fact, we have a range of laws that limit free speech. Public servants and employees of our largest corporations, for instance, are legally constrained about how they can comment on their work.
For some time now, Liberal MP, Craig Kelly, has been disseminating information shown to be false and inconsistent with government policy and advice on COVID-19, undermining government action and endangering the health of everyday Australians without government censure or action. Similarly, LNP MP, George Christensen, has espoused baseless conspiracy theories unchecked. Of particular concern is McCormack’s statement that truth is negotiable and facts are sometimes contentious – echoes of Trump’s use of “alternative facts”. Of course, all governments use “spin” as part of their marketing to influence polls, win popular support and gain/maintain power. Unfortunately, since this is usually disseminated by staffers with journalism/media/advertising backgrounds, lazy media outlets seem to just see a good story and run with the “press release” without due diligence.
Speech has never been entirely free and has always been moderated by responsibility. While it isn’t really socially acceptable to lie, it is actually illegal in many commercial and legal contexts. It’s plainly well overdue for government figures who hold unique positions of public responsibility to also be held legally responsible for intentionally lying to the public. Equally, media companies that intentionally or negligently disseminate those lies must also be held accountable. National leadership needs to clean up political debate, ensuring the integrity of the politicians we elect in good faith. Democracy demands that we trust our politicians to make decisions on our behalf based on fact, truth and reason and not on spin, misinformation and political expediency. Politicians who do not meet the standards we expect should be shown the door. The “Licence to Lie”must be revoked, now!
The views expressed in the Local Musings column are the writer’s and not necessarily the views of the HT team.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
36 FEBRUARY 2021 HINTERLAND TIMES
