Hansard
Tuesday, 3rd March 2020
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Leader of the Opposition) (15:17): Yes, Speaker, I did indeed. Today is a tragedy for our democracy. AAP, Australian Associated Press, have played a valuable role in this building and in Old Parliament House since 1935. The newswire will close in June. To Paul Osborne, Katina Curtis, Dan McCulloch, Lucas Koch, Mick Tsikas, Colin Brinsden, Matt Coughlan, Rebecca Gredley, Finbar O'Mallon, Don Woolford, Marc Tewksbury and Eamonn Tiernan, we wish you well. We thank you for your contribution over such a long period of time in terms of holding us to account and informing the Australian people wherever they live. That's the important thing about AAP, that, unlike the other bureaus, with respect, they got out everywhere. We were covered on radio and covered on other newspapers, including suburban, regional and rural newspapers. You will leave a massive void in terms of information coverage. Democracy should not be taken for granted. It relies upon the education and communication of what happens in this place and around economic, social and environmental issues to the Australian public. The Australian public will be less informed as a result of the decision today that I think is a great tragedy.
On a personal level, I thank you for everything that you've done and I wish you well. I hope that you stay involved in what is an honourable profession in the media. We on this side have had a bit of a run in recent times, saying journalism is not a crime. Well, that's true, but it's much more than that. It's a vital component of our democracy.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.