Our Promise
To inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast community, covering local news, sport and features fairly and accurately and with an independent voice.
Sunshinecoastnews.com.au will reflect life in our region, encourage healthy debate and highlight issues that affect our growing population.
Our reporters will uphold the integrity standards set by the Australian Press Council and the MEAA Journalistic Code of Ethics with regard to the below:
1. Accuracy
Our staff report honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness and the disclosure of all essential facts. We do not suppress relevant facts or distort emphasis. Opinion content is distinguished from general editorial.
2. Corrections
In the event of significant inaccuracies, or the publication of misleading content, the team will provide a correction or other adequate remedial action.
3. Balance
Our staff strive to present factual material with reasonable fairness and balance. We also aim to give a fair opportunity for a right of reply.
4. Equality
We do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability. All sources are provided with equal opportunity, respect and fairness.
5. Source
Where possible, we aim to attribute information to its source. We use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material and always identify ourselves as a report for the publication prior to obtaining any information or interview.
6. Integrity and conflict
We do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence. Journalists must disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy, fairness or independence. Advertorial content is clearly labelled.
7. Compassion and privacy.
Our staff value the right to a person’s privacy and always respect private grief and a person’s rights.
COMPLAINTS: If you believe the standards promised may have been breached, you may approach us directly via info@sunshinecoastnews.com.au or contact the Australian Press Council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone (02) 9261 1930. For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au
