Among broadcasters there has been no greater advocate for free speech than 3AW’s Derryn Hinch. He has demonstrated on several occasions that he is willing to break the law – and suffer the consequences – to stand up for what he believes is right. Of course, Hinch has no mortgage on what constitutes ‘right from wrong.’ Not everyone agrees with his version of it, least of all the Victorian judiciary.
In this latest instance Hinch has been found guilty of breaching suppression orders by divulging the names of two sex offenders at a rally against pedophiles on the steps of the Victorian Parliament in Melbourne. Soon to be sentenced, he faces a fine of up to $60,000 and/or up to five years in jail. Hinch, who is dying of liver cancer and has been given less than a year to live, commented wryly that if jailed, at least he will cheat authorities out of a few years of the sentence.
Clearly the law as it applies to pedophiles in Victoria is imperfect. More so than in other states. But Hinch has done more than merely call for change to the law on his Drive show. He has actually knowingly broken it. He admits that legally he’s in the wrong. But morally, he firmly believes he is right.
What do you believe? As a broadcaster, was Hinch serving the best interests of the community and his audience by breaking what he describes as a bad law?
It is often said that in Australia there is no justice system, only a legal one. Only by chance, and on rare occasions, do the interests both coincide. For justice, people often turn to talk radio.
Does Hinch deserve justice? Is it justice that he potentially spend the rest of his life in a jail cell because he stood up for what he believed to be right? Does the punishment fit the crime?
Should we just apathetically watch from the sidelines as Hinch takes on the Victorian judicial system all on his own weakening shoulders? Or should all radio stations, FM, AM, Fairfax and MRN call for justice with one voice. C’mon Alan, c’mon Ray, Neil, Steve, Jason, Paul and Lawise. Kyle, Red and Matt too.
Is Radio all bark and no bite? Should we as one stand up for Hinch – if not for what he said, then his right to say it?