Last week NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced an end to the state’s daily COVID press conferences – as it documented record new infections and deaths. Instead, she said, the government would provide prepared videos.
Despite surging numbers and her locked-down constituents suffering mental anguish – the Premier said she would abandon the daily opportunities for politicians and health authorities to be questioned by journalists in person – stating “I will turn up when I need to”…
The move has been described as a serious abrogation of responsibility, a dereliction of duty – especially as these regular face-to-face events may be the only opportunity to hold the government to account during the current crisis, when lock-down decisions are made by a small group of ministers in secret.
On the other hand, some suggest that the end of daily COVID pressers may be bad news for journalists it, it might be good for journalism.
To discuss this, I’m joined by journalism expert Denis Muller – Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne…
How do you see this move by the NSW Premier to stop the daily press conference? Is this hindering the role of the Fourth Estate? What even is the fourth estate?