‘Australia’s defamation laws are utterly crippling’: Tracey Spicer says some names escaped MeToo movement
Some years on from the MeToo movement, revered Australian broadcaster Tracey Spicer has claimed some figures in Australia escaped scrutiny due to the country’s defamation laws.
Appearing on the latest episode of Mumbrella’s one-on-one podcast, Spicer – who began investigating Australian industry figures after allegations against disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein came to light – discussed the recent claims that have hit the local industry.
Though a joint production with the ABC and Fairfax Media brought attention to claims against notable figures like TV personality Don Burke, Spicer said there were more.
“We did have a lot of other names, but Australia’s defamation laws are utterly crippling and had a chilling effect on any more investigative journalism in that area, unfortunately,” Spicer told host Neil Griffiths.
“I guess what you’re looking at here is a power imbalance. When you look at the networks, there’s a lot of very young people [with] very little power trying to get into the industry and they face people at the top – executives, much more highly paid, much more power.
“So until we have less hierarchical structures and a flatter kind of power situation at the networks, very little will change.”
Through her work in the MeToo movement – as well as a very public falling out with her former employer Network 10 – Spicer conceded that her relationship with the media industry has changed over the years, describing it as “a bit of a double edged sword”.
“I’m a gal from a working class background who got the opportunity to work in an industry that I only dreamed about working in. I always wanted to tell stories. So, I feel really grateful to be able to work in the media like a lot of people do,” she said.
“It is a privilege, but I feel saddened that we can’t do better, that we can’t have a better, more diverse and inclusive culture. and get rid of the toxic workplace practices that have been plaguing the industry for far too long.
Spicer continued: “I am optimistic that things are changing, although it’s taking a very long time. But I’m also optimistic with the rise of what we used to call new media, social media, that we are hearing different voices.
“We are seeing the industry change. We’re seeing the mainstream television networks losing a lot of their power, privilege and money because of the rise of new media. And that brings some good and some bad. I hope that through that, the culture will continue to change.”
Listen to the full episode here.
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Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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The Me Too movement is completely unnecessary and pernicious. Especially when we have a legal and judicial system that tests guilt in a court of law, by peers beyond a reasonable doubt
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Get em Trace!
Have a look at the leading PayTV provider in Aus as a starting point…
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