Yes, agree wth this, although I hope Kevin Dudd does not come back.

I just don't understand all the fuss! The media are only being asked to follow those rules, they as press council members, have already signed up to. Nobody challenges any Govt appointed ombudsmen, or questions their impartiality? How is the intended ombudsman like oversight any different?
The electronic media is not hamstrung by its rules or official oversight!
We know that the media barons presided over some of the worst examples of the abuse of the rights of citizens in Britain; and, have numerous reported cases to answer in America?
These media moguls, particularly, the Murdoch press, have for years exercised virtual king making power, and are patently campaigning against a Govt they don't like?
It's is said, if power corrupts, then absolute power corrupts absolutely.
We've seen evidence of this elsewhere and have a right to ensure as far as we are able, that it doesn't happen here!
While one sees that our reporters are usually made of the right stuff. Those hackers already found wanting in Britain, clearly aren't?
And democracy simply cannot be served by any further concentration of the media, in fewer hands; or indeed, hands that patently want to usurp and exercise editorial control.
Yes, abrasive combative Conroy is patently not diplomatic enough, and perhaps more time and committees are needed, to ensure the passage of the bill; and or, that the print media simply follows those rules they have already signed up to!
That's all that is being asked of them? What is their real problem?
Being finally held to account for patent partisan promulgation?
Polls?
I could get any survey to overwhelmingly support the Gillard Govt, if I knew in advance what the views and voting intentions of the survey sample.
Knowing full well that the manipulated and trusting public, would simply accept my published judgement and follow my print-path, down whatever blind alley or political cul-de-sac, it led them?
There is simply no way a wisely led coalition, would allow this particular issue, to fester into an election issue!
Rhrosty.

Conroy’s legislation seems like being a little bit pregnant. Why can’t he just put the ABC in charge of PIMA?

Alternatively he could make “their ABC” subject to the same rules as all the rest of the media?

No? Thought not.

We really do need a new law. No don't scream yet.

A prime minister must be a member of the legislative assembly, which forces any senator to become properly elected as an individual, to become PM. This must be expanded to require anyone to become a member of the house before being able to become a minister.

Just think of which are the worst ministers in this dreadful government. Not only is this rat bag Conroy a senator, but so are Penny Wong, the dreadful Johnnie come lately Bob Carr, & the Hindmarsh Island man John Faulkner. There are probably more, but this bunch surely proves my point.

Surely it does not take much savvy to see that this bunch must be some of the worst ministers ever to set their butts down on ministerial leather.

At least if they were ordinary members, we could get them out at the next election, but with a senators seat extending for 2 parliaments we are stuck with many dills for an extra term.

As senators they are really there supposedly, to represent their state. This means a conflict of interest is inevitable in much of a senators work, as it is often not possible for a minister to do the best for an individual state, & the commonwealth simultaneously.

Justice really does come a poor last in much of Oz life.

Rhrosty
an ombudsman typically investigates complaints by the public against the government. What the government is proposing is a person who can protect the government against the media. Quite different.

More stupid lies by another worthless hack.

There is no suggestion anywhere that the government is going to control what is published and the PIMA is only about complaints from the public, sort of like ACMA for the TV and radio industry.

Why are the media so terrified of telling the truth instead of lies and ridiculous distortions.

Newsltd. is a criminal gang who still thinks it is respectable.