G'day readers,
This week Kayla Osborne reported that Georges River councillors subject to an ICAC investigation would be banned from attending council meetings and forums when the matter is being discussed under a proposed order issued by the NSW Government.
Some councillors got on the front foot and provided quotes to us saying how disappointed they were with the state local government minister for "spreading the blame evenly" across the entire council rather than on the two councillors the Minister named.
I've had several letters and phone calls from our readers asking us why we won't name the councillors involved. So I want to use this forum to answer that question.
The answer is simple. Our legal advice tells us not to name them despite the fact others have. In my tenure as editor, we have made sure we do not name the councillors under possible ICAC investigation in any yarns we have done on the subject. To adhere to our advice, we won't name them until we are advised it is safe legally to do so.
Some have called us 'wimpy' or other less flattering words, but we take our responsibility to report ethically and legally to our readers very seriously at the Leader. Unfortunately, today's world is very litigious, and we'd much rather spend our time publishing the news you want than in legal battles.
On a brighter note, Murray Trembath tells us The ailing Caringbah shopping strip looks set to receive a major shot in the arm with a proposal for an up-market takeaway and dine-in food venue in the former Westpac bank branch building. What do you think of the proposal?
Sarah Falson had a chat with another Leader Local Champion this week. Sarah's yarn on Amy Fisher and her Bexley ballet school is a lovely read. These regular yarns focusing on locals who do good things are proving to be popular with our readers. Thanks for letting us know you like the 'local champion' yarns. We will keep them coming.
I think one of the most beautiful and heartwarming shows that has ever been on television is the ABC's Love on the Spectrum. Sarah tells us of a short film created in the Shire by Bus Stop Films in collaboration with Cronulla-based Stellar Experiences that employed ten young adults. One of the stars of Love on the Spectrum was involved in the production.
A visit to the beach is usually something we do in the warmer months. However, I find the beach relaxing any time of the year. Our photographer Chris Lane went to Kyeemagh beach this week and took some lovely pics. I hope you enjoy them.
My beautiful bride has just summoned me to join her for breakfast, so I'll wrap the weekly wrap up here.
Enjoy your Sunday. I hope it is full of love, laughter, music and news..
See you next week.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
