Ms Susan McKay:

May I mention a couple of things? The Senator made a point about the targeting of individual journalists. The press ombudsman process that is being set up by the Press Council deals with publications. I hold a publication responsible for what is published by it and not the individual journalist who wrote the article or the individual photographer who took the photograph.

That is a reassuring aspect of our process. As Mr. Montgomery pointed out, no one can take membership of the Press Council for granted. If people do not share the values of the Press Council, that will emerge and they will not be able to remain members. That is all constantly under review with all members of the Press Council. I also echo what the chairman said, that if people have complaints about the behaviour of journalists or organisations that are members of the Press Council, they should use the process and take the opportunity of being in the Press Council and make complaints based on breaches on the code of practice. The Press Council's code of practice is a fine document, based on respect for human rights. Organisations that are in the Press Council have to uphold those principles, which include decency, respect and treating people properly. Some of those who define themselves as citizen journalists at the moment do not behave properly towards members of the public or towards journalists from the mainstream media. I hear frequently from journalists in our member publications who are being subjected to threats and bad behaviour at public events. That is not acceptable under the code of conduct of the Press Council.