Edward River Council has a new media policy, developed to “enhance council’s reputation”. The policy was adopted at council’s July meeting.
“At the heart of the Media Policy are four principles of media engagement,” the policy authorised by CEO Phil Stone states.
“Openness. Consistency. Accuracy. Timeliness.”
Much of the policy remains the same, however there is updated advice to councillors on who can engage with the media and no requirement to respond to media within a certain time.
Murray River Council has released a similar draft media policy, however they have called for community feedback before endorsing.
Mr Stone said Edward River’s updated policy reflected the NSW Office of Local Government’s ‘Model Media Policy” and that of councils across NSW.
The Office of Local Government recognises that councils interact with media differently depending on factors such as a council’s size and resources and the demographics of a local government area.
“For these reasons, the Model Media Policy ensures a degree of flexibility by including optional and adjustable provisions which enables each council to tailor the policy to suit its own unique circumstances,” NSW Office of Local Government states.
Edward River’s previous media policy allowed for councillors to express their personal views to the media, however now they must seek information and guidance from the chief executive officer “where appropriate” before providing comment.
The updated policy does not stipulate that councillors cannot speak to the media to express their personal views, nor does it explain what “where appropriate” means.
Cr Shirlee Burge sought clarification during the meeting, asking the mayor if councillors were approached by the media, should they refrain and speak to the CEO first.
Council’s governance officer responded saying “yes, the intention is requests for comment are made via this policy through to the CEO. Following consultation there might be an agreement that a particular person (councillor) may be able to speak on behalf of the council with the agreed council position.”
The governance officer said, “that’s to ensure that we are all on the same page, that we know about what’s being put into the media and so on.”
Edward River councillors are also now required to inform the CEO of “potential issues that could result in media interest” as soon as practicable according to the updated policy.
Regarding interacting with the media, the new policy states that media organisations and their representatives are treated professionally, equally and without bias.
The previous media policy stated council would action media enquiries and requests for interviews “promptly and efficiently and with a view to meeting the media’s deadlines.”
There is no requirement to do so in the new policy.
Edward River Council has for several months consistently missed Pastoral Times deadlines and since June has advised they will respond to media requests in 72 hours.