Oceania Regional Conference

The Premier of Queensland, the Hon Peter Beattie opened the First Oceania Regional Conference of the World Association of Press Councils in Brisbane on 22 June 1999. The meeting was attended by over 90 delegates from Australia and overseas.

The conference was hosted by the Australian Press Council. In welcoming delegates, Professor Dennis Pearce, Chairman of the APC, said that "A free press is essential to a free country. It is at gatherings like this we can learn how to ensure freedom is preserved".

WAPC President and Chairman of the Indian Press Council, the Hon Justice PB Sawant, reminded delegates that the association's principal object was to promote a free and responsible press throughout the world.

The two main themes of the Conference were:

The role and responsibility of the media in the coverage of tragedies and communal conflicts and

The ethical responsibilities of the media in their dealings with courts and their coverage of the criminal justice system.

The Association admitted two new members, the Press Ombudsman of South Africa. Mr Ed Linington, and the Kibris Turkish Press Council. Professor Salvador Lozada, from Argentina, reported on a proposal to establish a single press council for the five Mercosur countries in South America.

A report was received on a model for the establishment of a voluntary press council, which could be offered to persons and organizations seeking advice, a draft report on a transnational complaints mechanism was tabled, and will be circulated to members for comment. It suggests practical ways complaints concerning the transnational or international media could be sensibly handled.

Both working parties expect [0 circulate a final report later this year.

The meeting emphasized the need to assist developing countries in strengthening a free and responsible press. This could be done by offering advice, and the holding of workshops on ethical matters. This will be the focus of further activities of the WAPC. Delegates were particularly concerned that funding for the University of PNG journalism course has been withdrawn. The delegates saw a particular need for co-operation in these matters in the Pacific Islands.

The delegates recorded their appreciation to the Australian Press Council, its Chairman, Executive Secretary Jack Herman, staff and members for the conference.

The next meeting of the WAPC is expected to be held in Cairo on 26-28 April 2000.