Teal independent candidate Kate Hulett has been critical of Seven West Media’s links to the gas industry in Western Australia. In an advertisement in The West Australian, Hulett called for legislation to prevent the gas industry from owning and controlling media outlets in the state. She expressed concern about the lack of transparency and integrity in government dealings with the gas industry, particularly when major shareholders such as Seven Group Holdings have interests in gas fields in the Browse Basin and off the coast of Victoria.
Hulett specifically targeted Seven Group Holdings, which is the major shareholder of Seven West Media and SGH Energy. SGH Energy has interests in the Crux gas field in the Browse Basin and the Longtom gas field in Victoria. Additionally, Seven Group Holdings is also a major shareholder of Beach Energy, which has interests in onshore gas fields in Western Australia. Hulett believes that these connections between the gas industry and media outlets create a conflict of interest and can influence government decisions in favor of the industry at the expense of everyday West Australians.
The teal independent candidate emphasized the need to address the influence of big gas companies on media outlets in order to protect the interests of the state and its residents. Hulett argued that allowing gas companies to own and control media outlets can lead to biased reporting and decision-making that prioritize industry profits over the well-being of the community. She called for greater transparency and integrity in government dealings with the gas industry to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the people of Western Australia.
Hulett’s criticism of Seven West Media’s gas links reflects a broader concern about the potential impact of corporate influence on media outlets and government decision-making. She highlighted the need to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that media outlets are independent and objective in their reporting. By raising awareness about the connections between the gas industry and media ownership, Hulett aims to advocate for legislation that promotes transparency and accountability in government dealings with powerful corporate interests.
The teal independent candidate’s stance on the issue of gas industry influence in the media has sparked a debate about the role of corporate ownership in shaping public perception and government policy. Hulett’s call for legislation to address this issue reflects a growing concern about the impact of corporate interests on democratic processes and the need to protect the integrity of media outlets as a crucial source of information for the public. By challenging the status quo and advocating for greater transparency, Hulett is presenting a vision for a more accountable and inclusive political system in Western Australia.
