Editorial: Freedom Dies in Darkness, PM Staving-off Threats

^{BY SENIOR EDITOR LORD JAMES JAMESONSON OF PULBAH ISLAND}

TODAY, eleven press organisations signed a letter condemning the government's recent attacks on freedom of the press in Australia. In particular, the letter condemned the government's appalling handling of the recent government press conference in which Ten News' Daniel Hill had his press pass rescinded by the LNP.

The incident took place in what was Prime Minister AussieConservative's first press conference since becoming LNP party leader. At multiple times the new Deputy Prime Minister, Winston_Wilhelmus, and the former PM Riley8583 engaged in belittling and abusive behaviour towards the media pack, with Hill a frequent target. The assembled journalists were also referred to as 'fake news' - an epiphet associated with US President Donald Trump.

Ultimately, after consistent questioning by Hill, the Deputy Prime Minister announced to the room that he rescinded Hill's press pass, a likely warning to the assembled journalists that unwanted questions will result in an outright ban. The signed letter called for the immediate reinstatement of Hill's press pass. Today, after questioning from Yala Talama from Australia Tonight, the Prime Minister announced that this will not occur for another week.

Such behaviour is, of course, unacceptable of a liberal democracy. In Australia, we do not accept that the only questions that can be asked of our elected officials are those which are seen as 'friendly' or easy for the questionee. All power should be questioned, and journalists have a right to ask the Prime Minister questions without the fear of punishment. The National Review views such actions as undertaken by the government and deputy prime minister in particular to be a direct result on the freedoms Australians enjoy.

​

The prime minister.

MEANWHILE, the new prime minister has announced his new cabinet, with a notable demotion being that of now-former Attorney-General, My13InchDuck, who challenged AussieConservative for the leadership of the Liberal National Party.

My13InchDuck lost his positions of Attorney-General and Leader of the House, instead given the portfolios of Home Affairs and Infrastructure and Transport, whilst also having the position of Deputy Leader of the House. This is, no doubt, a direct consequence of the now-Minister for Home Affairs' leadership potential. The Member for Moncrieff has consistently rated highly in opinion polling, even higher than the new prime minister and the opposition leader. He was previously noted by the National Review as being the LNP's best shot at winning the next election.

No doubt the Prime Minister recognises the threat posed by My13InchDuck, and thus has put him in a position where he will be perceived as less of a threat. The new Leader of the House and Deputy PM is a fellow member of the hard-right, whereas the new Attorney-General is former prime minister BloodyChrome.