The Australian Federal Government is desperately asserting itself in the legislative arena in an effort to subvert the narcissistic self-destruction that has plagued it. Changes in media ownership laws is a sure-fire way of putting a fire under the majority of media outlets in the country.
Australian newspapers are unashamedly conservative in their bias. Likening Senator Stephen Conroy, the minister for communications, to despots and mass murders. The colourful imagery ties to an editorial mulling the deterioration in the functions of the Australian democracy.
Most informed analist commentary consider the proposed changes in media ownership law as; tweaking. Every successive government feels the need to make changes to laws affecting the mass media. The oligopoly of Australian media this time are painting a picture of a loss of editorial diversity especially in rural and regional areas.
The Minority government who rely on supply from a few country independents, have made it clear that there will be no modifications to the bill which will be presented to parliament as this article goes to print. But negative noises are being made by those who hold the balance of power. This means some back room negotiations will be required if the government is to get it's way.
A core element of the new laws in an independent ombudsman to replace an industry managed press council. Which is regarded by anyone who is unfairly treated in the press, as nothing more than a toothless puppet of the media itself.
This matter cuts at the core of the different values one hold's depending on political affiliations. Self-regulation and market forces deciding the success or failure of businesses in a marketplace. Or an independent unbiased authority refereeing the players to follow due process.
If this is the current government's attempt to stage-manage a week's worth of newspaper front pages, it's been a resounding success. However if the activity was to polarize the difference between a government and an opposition, it has been less so.
The conservative opposition has a comfortable lead in the polls with six months from an election. It's showing a softer more conciliatory side, with the opposition communications minister Malcom Turnbull suggesting that there is some good in the proposed laws.
This is a new turn in Australian politics which may result in a reduction in bickering and name calling being replaced with the fires of passion over policy. Which might make a weary electorate actually sit up an listen.
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