Government Media Unit (Queensland)

The Government Media Unit in Queensland is based in the Premier's Office and "works across Government as a primary source of expert and timely advice on media and publicity matters." [1]

The Fitzgerald Inquiry Comments on the Media and Government Media Unit

In July 1989 the Fitzgerald inquiry report into corruption in Queensland was released. The report concluded that "the media played a part in exposing corruption, but as one of the powerful institutions in our society must also share the blame for its growth. Journalist's uncritical dependence on their sources, orchestrated Government leaks and the operations of publically funded Government media units and press secretaries have reduced the independent perspective of the media and can lead to it becoming a mouthpiece for vested interests." [2] (4MB pdf)

"Although most Government-generated publicity will unavoidably and necessarily be politically advantageous, there is no legitimate justification for taxpayers’ money to be spent on politically motivated propaganda," he wrote. Fitzgerald flagged the possibility of introducing guidelines to prevent the abuse of governemtn media unit.

The Current Government Media Unit

A July 2006 job advertisement for a senior position in the GMU described its role as including:

• Research and preparation of media statements, speeches, interview and briefing notes as well as feature and special articles for newspapers, periodicals and journals;
• Organising the timely and appropriate release to the media of statements, articles and speeches;
• Liaison with media representatives, Ministers and Ministerial Offices, and senior Departmental officers; and
• Development, implementation and maintenance of a co-ordinated government media strategy. [3]

Other SourceWatch Resources

• Australian State Government Media Units

Publications

• G. Fitzgerald, "Report of a Commission of Inquiry Pursuant to Orders In Council", July 3, 1989. (4MB Pdf). (This is commonly referred to as the Fitzgerald inquiry report).
• Coddington, G., "Government Media Units: A Sceptic's View", in Hurst, J. (ed) Government Management of the Media, Deakin University, Geelong, 1991.
• Chris Griffith, "Joh's chooks are better fed now", The Sun-Herald, May 17, 1992.
• Chris Griffith, "Code of silence hampers media review", The Sun-Herald, October 25, 1992.
• Chris Griffith, "Media review enters its final phase", The Sun-Herald, 27 December 1992.
• Electoral and Administrative Review Commission (EARC), Report on Review of Government Media and Information Services, Brisbane: EARC, 1993.