John Gilroy (Labour)

Senator Bacik alluded to the disturbing reports from the UK about the alleged hacking of people's telephones by reporters. I have no doubt we are probably inviting the wrath of the News of the World on our heads by raising the issue. It is a powerful media outlet. If the reports are true, it is appalling that the privacy of bereaved people has been breached in addition to the integrity of police investigations being compromised. The newspaper has wide circulation in this country. It boasts that it is the most widely circulated newspaper. It is of concern that if such low ethical journalistic standards pertain in the UK, as media commentators have suggested, the practice might occur in this country as well.

Senator Bacik rightly called on people to stop buying the newspaper. In the UK some blue chip companies have withdrawn their advertising from the newspaper. I wish to go one step further in asking the Leader to liaise with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to ascertain whether the practice has occurred or is occurring in this country. I understand that before action can be taken a complaint must be made. However, given the seriousness of the situation, I do not believe we can wait until such a complaint is made. There are voluntary codes of practice among the media in this country and perhaps the Minister might explore them to see whether the practice is occurring.