Government deserts bush Press

Country Press NSW has described the NSW Government’s decision to announce a state-wide lockdown via social media on Saturday afternoon as a slap in the face to those who live in the bush.

CP NSW President Lucie Peart said it was a “kick in the guts” to bush media who are normally the first point of contact for many communities, especially those with aged populations.

There's been widespread confusion in regional and rural New South Wales, including panic buying and applicable restriction confusion after it was plunged into lockdown with two hours' warning and no press conference on Saturday afternoon.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has defended announcing the lockdown on social media, saying it's "very difficult" to get that information out via the media on the weekend.

This has been rebutted by CP NSW which represents 30 independent newspapers across regional NSW.

In the Western Plains region the Cobar Weekly, Bourke's Western Herald, The Spectator in Walgett, the Condobolin Argus, the Gilgandra Weekly, the Nyngan Weekly, the Coonabarabran Times, the Warren Weekly and the Coonamble Times are all members of CP NSW.

The Deputy Premier, who has neglected previous requests for the NSW Government to work more collaboratively with rural newspapers, has tried to defend the Government’s decision, but Ms Peart said its actions were “indefensible”.

President of Country Press NSW and rural newspaper owner Lucie Peart has criticised the state government's lack of collaboration with regional media outlets.

“Mr Barilaro gave instructions to Members of Parliament in rural areas to talk to community leaders and mayors to get the message out. He didn’t even hold a press conference, which has been the norm throughout the pandemic. We cannot understand why the New South Wales Government, unlike other states, will not promote its COVID messages through rural newspapers, which are the most trusted source and the major communication vehicle in their respective communities,” Ms Peart said.  

When asked if he would admit that it did not have the right strategy to communicate with the public 18 months into a pandemic, Mr Barilaro doubled down by saying, “not at all”.

Ms Peart said member newspapers could play a leading role in promoting the Government’s messages, but continue to be ignored by city-centric decision makers who do not understand how to effectively promote their announcements into rural communities. And unfortunately, The Nationals have not stood up and rectified the situation.

“Our member mastheads have websites and social media avenues alongside their print product to disseminate this information and where the State Government can advertise the lockdowns alongside crucial health advice.

“It is contradictory for the Government to spend millions of dollars on social media, then have its Members telling constituents not to take notice of the misinformation being spread by social media. This is what has been occurring," Mrs Peart said.

“Surely, it is reasonable for the Government to work with trusted rural newspapers which are a recognised and reliable source of local information.

“For too long we have been asked to do the heavy lifting without any monetary compensation. It’s discrimination towards the bush and this government, especially its National Party MPs, need to step up and step in for their regional communities.”

Ms Peart called on Mr Barilaro to take the lead and improve the way in which the NSW Government is communicating COVID-19 health and safety messages, including restrictions and support available, to the regional communities represented by CP NSW.