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What Australia needs: more political satire What Australia needs: more political satire
(14 days later)
Australia has a proud tradition of poking fun at the boss; it’s an integral part of our cultural identity. But it seems politicians take themselves much more seriously than voters.Australia has a proud tradition of poking fun at the boss; it’s an integral part of our cultural identity. But it seems politicians take themselves much more seriously than voters.
One of the few things that gets us through an election campaign like this one, where everyone was sick of it before it had even started, are shows like the Hamster Wheel, Gruen Nation and The Project. But there are specific rules in place to stop shows like these from using footage or sound from parliamentary broadcasts. In fact, the Joint Committee on the Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings has specifically banned excerpts of parliamentary footage from being used for the purposes of "satire or ridicule".One of the few things that gets us through an election campaign like this one, where everyone was sick of it before it had even started, are shows like the Hamster Wheel, Gruen Nation and The Project. But there are specific rules in place to stop shows like these from using footage or sound from parliamentary broadcasts. In fact, the Joint Committee on the Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings has specifically banned excerpts of parliamentary footage from being used for the purposes of "satire or ridicule".
Now, I believe if I act like an idiot in the Senate (and I’m sure lots of people think I do), then you have every right to make fun of me. I don’t believe politicians should be protected from satire or ridicule: if you hold a public office then you’re subject to public scrutiny, which is how it should be. And if you make an ass of yourself, people have a right to laugh at you.Now, I believe if I act like an idiot in the Senate (and I’m sure lots of people think I do), then you have every right to make fun of me. I don’t believe politicians should be protected from satire or ridicule: if you hold a public office then you’re subject to public scrutiny, which is how it should be. And if you make an ass of yourself, people have a right to laugh at you.
This is particularly true of what happens in the Senate or house of representatives chamber, which is where laws are debated and made. That should make those buildings and the politicians in them more open to public scrutiny, not less.This is particularly true of what happens in the Senate or house of representatives chamber, which is where laws are debated and made. That should make those buildings and the politicians in them more open to public scrutiny, not less.
There’s an argument that using footage for satire or ridicule is disrespectful or insulting to parliament. Well, you only have to look at what goes on during Question Time to see that politicians are doing a pretty good job of that themselves. Perhaps if pollies knew footage of them could be sent up, it might improve their behaviour.There’s an argument that using footage for satire or ridicule is disrespectful or insulting to parliament. Well, you only have to look at what goes on during Question Time to see that politicians are doing a pretty good job of that themselves. Perhaps if pollies knew footage of them could be sent up, it might improve their behaviour.
Humour is also a powerful journalistic tool. In 2009, Time magazine ran a poll to find America’s most trusted newscaster after the death of famous journalist and broadcaster Walter Cronkite. The winner, with 44% of the vote, was Jon Stewart – the host of satirical news program The Daily Show.Humour is also a powerful journalistic tool. In 2009, Time magazine ran a poll to find America’s most trusted newscaster after the death of famous journalist and broadcaster Walter Cronkite. The winner, with 44% of the vote, was Jon Stewart – the host of satirical news program The Daily Show.
In Australia, there’s nothing like The Daily Show simply because comedians can’t get their hands on the footage they need. Instead, like the Chaser boys, they have to be more creative and capture pollies outside parliament house.In Australia, there’s nothing like The Daily Show simply because comedians can’t get their hands on the footage they need. Instead, like the Chaser boys, they have to be more creative and capture pollies outside parliament house.
That’s why, when parliament resumes after the election, I’ll be introducing a private senator’s bill to allow parliamentary footage to be used for satire or ridicule. It’s time to update these rules and allow free reign to what should already be in the public domain. Otherwise the laugh’s on us – and our democracy. Politicians will just have to grow thicker skins to cope with it.That’s why, when parliament resumes after the election, I’ll be introducing a private senator’s bill to allow parliamentary footage to be used for satire or ridicule. It’s time to update these rules and allow free reign to what should already be in the public domain. Otherwise the laugh’s on us – and our democracy. Politicians will just have to grow thicker skins to cope with it.
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