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The mining magnate's attempt to exert editorial control over the media company is 'very concerning', says the Acting Prime Minister

Treasurer Wayne Swan says Gina Rinehart is the only media owner to blatantly declare an intention to ignore editorial independence

But the Treasurer and acting Prime Minister has stopped short of supporting a Greens push for legislation to protect journalists from proprietorial interference.

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Ms Rinehart is understood to have demanded three seats on the Fairfax board. Photo: AFP

And Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has ruled out supporting any such legislation, telling Parliament, ''we are not going to ... start legislation to interfere in any way with editorial independence.

Greens MP Adam Bandt asked Mr Swan in question time today if he was prepared to do more than just "publicly call" on Ms Rinehart to uphold editorial standards. The Treasurer told Parliament that he was very concerned about Mrs Rinehart's attitude towards Fairfax. "The government is very strongly of the view that a healthy robust media is essential to our democratic process," he said.

But Mr Swan stopped short of backing the Greens' move for legislation, referring to the government's convergence review and media inquiry as a sign of its action in the area. Mr Swan said Mrs Rinehart had to explain to the Australian people what her intentions were towards Fairfax, "whether she will or wont support a charter of independence".

Greens MP Adam Bandt and Workplace Minister Bill Shorten talk during question time this afternoon. Photo: Adam Bandt

Originally posted here:
Swan warns Rinehart media ploy bad for democracy