The Victorian Greens have thrown their support behind journalists from Nine newspapers who are set to strike for the next five days.
Journalists from Nine mastheads such as the Age in Victoria have planned the industrial action after Nine Entertainment chief executive told staff the company was cutting 200 jobs, including 90 positions across the legacy mastheads.
Journalists have asked for fair wages, greater diversity, protections against the use of AI and to reduce the number of redundancies.
The Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell says that these demands are fair and sensible and that journalists need a better deal to support bold, independent, and fearless journalism, which is at the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“All strength to the journalists striking for fair wages, greater diversity, AI protections and fighting back against huge slashes in jobs.
“It seems Nine are trying to cut costs at every corner instead of investing in public interest reporting which is what journalism is actually all about.
“It’s a dire reminder of the consequences of successive governments handing over the bulk of our media to a couple of billionaires.
“A free and fearless press that speaks truth to power is at the cornerstone of our democracy. This relies on good journalists who are empowered to do their job.”