Press express their freedom in the Ivy pool
And so to Friday night’s Press Freedom dinner in Sydney, where freshly minted Nine Network investigative journalist Ross Coulthart delivered a rousing speech on the threat of data retention laws.
It seems his words struck a chord with journos from both the left and right of the political spectrum, who came together to take extreme measures to avoid any possibility of Big Brother’s electronic surveillance, by throwing themselves fully suited and booted into the pool at The Ivy.
Journalists from Guardian Australia and Fairfax Media were joined in their late-night dip by a notable columnist from The Australian – and two inflatable swans.
Does a suit need to be dry before it goes to the drycleaner? Or is soaked with swimming pool water acceptable? Asking for a friend.
— James Jeffrey (@James_Jeffrey) May 2, 2015
Dr Mumbo extends his sympathy to whichever cab driver spent their Saturday morning battling wet upholstery with a hair dryer.
It was great night and Coulthart delivered an excellent speech. Do not expect many members of the Federal Parliament to see it that way. They seem to love spying on journalists.
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