Wilkie challenged to put up

Denison MHR Andrew Wilkie's warning (The Australian, 12/9/2011) that he will vote against any media inquiry which ‘smacks of politics', smacks of politics, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"He should put up his own terms," Senator Brown said.

"The Greens proposal includes an examination of the concentration of media ownership, and its impact, and the adequacy of self-regulation of ethical standards."

"Andrew Wilkie might well be ‘not fussed' but many Australians, not least Tasmanians, want more. A review of the current concentration of media ownership is not something to be afraid of - regardless of the size of the vested interests."

"The media, as an industry, is not immune from scrutiny and some elements within it are overdue for a reality check. If Andrew Wilkie is to vote this down, let him tell the voters of Tasmania why," Senator Brown said.