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The controversy surrounding Hawkesbury City Council’s decision to ban the Hawkesbury Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio from Council premises has now attracted national attention following an investigation by A Current Affair.
The segment, titled “Why has this council banned local press?”, aired nationally on 12 May through the Nine Network and examined Council’s decision to exclude local media organisations under workplace health and safety provisions relating to alleged psychosocial risks to councillors and staff. The segment can be viewed at https://www.9now.com.au/a-current-affair/season-2026/clip-cmp2f0nof000g0hpp493l2s3h
The story explored growing community concern regarding transparency, governance, and media access within local government, while also highlighting the broader challenges facing independent regional journalism.
During the program, A Current Affair examined correspondence issued by Council stating it had “formed the view” that the Hawkesbury Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio had engaged in behaviour creating risks to the health and safety of councillors and staff, including alleged disruptive conduct.
The exclusion notices advised the ban would remain in place “until otherwise advised by the Mayor or General Manager.”
The program also highlighted debate surrounding whether criticism and scrutiny from local media can appropriately be characterised as a workplace health and safety risk under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
The issue has generated widespread discussion across the Hawkesbury community, particularly following emotional scenes during the 12 May Council meeting where councillors openly discussed bullying, harassment, media scrutiny, and psychosocial harm caused by their fellow Councillors and or media coverage of their decisions and actions.
The A Current Affair report included interviews and commentary relating to Council’s governance challenges and the increasing tensions between elected representatives, local media, and sections of the community.
The coverage follows extensive reporting by metropolitan and national media outlets including ABC News and the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Hawkesbury Gazette maintains that independent local journalism plays a critical role in democratic accountability, particularly during periods of political instability and heightened public concern.
The publication says the issue extends beyond a dispute involving a single newspaper and instead raises broader questions about transparency, freedom of the press, governance culture, and public confidence in local institutions.
The Gazette also reiterated its support for stronger investment in regional journalism and public-interest reporting, arguing that local communities benefit when independent scrutiny of public institutions remains accessible and sustainable.
Council has previously stated the exclusion measures were implemented in response to workplace health and safety concerns involving alleged psychosocial risks to councillors and staff.
Council has been contacted for further comment following their 12 May meeting and the national broadcast.
