Pauline Hanson has knocked another brick out of our creaky political system. It’s not good for anybody | Peter Greste
Guardian AU
•Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:04 GMT
📰 What Happened
Peter Greste, an Australian journalist and former foreign correspondent, argues in an opinion piece that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has 'knocked another brick out of our creaky political system' by deciding which reporters get to ask questions at her events. At the launch of her party's campaign for the Victorian state election, Hanson barred journalists she deemed 'unfriendly', a move Greste says upends the democratic role journalists are supposed to occupy.
🔍 The Backstory
Media access to politicians has long been governed by the informal assumption that journalists should be able to interrogate statements in public forums. One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has a history of confrontational relationships with the mainstream press. The incident comes during the build-up to a Victorian state election.
🎯 Why It Matters
Greste argues that when politicians control who may ask questions, public accountability weakens and the information needed for democracy is undermined. The piece raises concerns about press freedom and the erosion of norms that let journalists challenge power. It also highlights how social media and politician-produced content are increasingly bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers.
Peter Greste, an Australian journalist and former foreign correspondent, argues in an opinion piece that One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has 'knocked another brick out of our creaky political system' by deciding which reporters get to ask questions at her events. At the launch of her party's campaign for the Victorian state election, Hanson barred journalists she deemed 'unfriendly', a move Greste says upends the democratic role journalists are supposed to occupy.
Media access to politicians has long been governed by the informal assumption that journalists should be able to interrogate statements in public forums. One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has a history of confrontational relationships with the mainstream press. The incident comes during the build-up to a Victorian state election.
Greste argues that when politicians control who may ask questions, public accountability weakens and the information needed for democracy is undermined. The piece raises concerns about press freedom and the erosion of norms that let journalists challenge power. It also highlights how social media and politician-produced content are increasingly bypassing the traditional media gatekeepers.