The recent Australian Federal Police raids on the ABC and a senior News Corp journalist have highlighted the grave threat to public interest journalism posed by the clandestine reach of new national security surveillance powers.
Laws enacted by the Coalition Government, with Labor Party support, are undermining the ability of journalists to expose corruption and misconduct - and the vital role of courageous whistleblowers in exposing such scandals.
Join us for an important forum with three people at the heart of the unfolding national debate:
Richard Boyle is a former Australian Taxation Office staffer facing 161 years in prison on charges relating to the exposure of systemic abuses of power within the ATO.
Senator Rex Patrick, a key crossbencher in the new Senate, accuses the Government of trying to muzzle whistleblowers and is demanding greater legal protection for journalists and their sources
Adele Ferguson is a leading business journalist who broke the ATO story and whose reporting on misconduct in the banking sector helped trigger the Hayne Royal Commission.
The forum will be moderated by ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland.
Places are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Date & Time
Tuesday 25 June 2019, 12:15 to 2:00pm
Venue
Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar
Level 1, Crown Metropol Hotel
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Cost
$65 MPC members; $85 non-members; $45 students
Includes two courses and a drink
(All prices are GST inclusive)
Anyone can attend Melbourne Press Club lunches, though if you are not a financial member please choose the non-member option when registering.
Visit
You can let us know of any dietary requirements by filling out the relevant question in the online registration form.
Mr Hive is located on the first floor of the Crown Metropol Hotel. The address is 8 Whiteman Street, and the nearest outdoor entrance is at the corner of Whiteman Street and Clarendon Street.
Bookings for Melbourne Press Club events can be cancelled and refunded up to 7 days prior to an event.