Pollies come out in support of Star Observer fundraising appeal
POLITICIANS聽from across the political spectrum have backed the Star Observer鈥檚 campaign to remain an independent community-owned news publication.
The Star Observer, which is Australia鈥檚 longest established news publication for the LGBTI community, is looking to raise $75,000 through .
The deadline to raise funds expires tomorrow with donations currently standing just shy of $68,000 at the time of print. If the publication does not receive at least the full amount by Thursday, all the money will be returned to donators.
Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh said: 鈥淭丑别 Star Observer was founded at a time when our laws banned same-sex love. It has documented the struggles of Australia鈥檚 LGBTI community and advocated for vital changes such as same-sex marriage.鈥�
The federal MP聽for Fraser, in the ACT, said he supported the campaign to 鈥渢o keep the Star burning bright.鈥�
NSW Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon said she fondly remembered dropping by the Star Observer鈥檚 offices on Sydney鈥檚 Oxford St when she had a story to spruik.
鈥淔or more than 35 years the Star Observer has been on the front line reporting, investigating, speaking up and helping drive the wins that the community has achieved,鈥� she聽said.
鈥淭丑别 Star Observer鈥檚 progressive approach to independent journalism combined with its historic understanding of how discrimination against the LGBTI community has been challenged must be cherished and retained.鈥�
Rhiannon said LGBTI-specific publications helped connect isolated members in the community and challenge viewpoints.
鈥淲hen I hear that the LGBTI community could lose some of its well respected, long standing media outlets I think of the high rates of suicide among young people in the country, abuse of some sports people and other nasty attitudes,鈥� she said.
City of Sydney Liberal councillor Christine Forster said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly important that the LGBTI community is served by strong and independent publications like the Star Observer.
鈥淪uch publications play an important part in keeping the community informed and engaged, as well as giving LGBTI people the opportunity to be heard.鈥�
Labor鈥檚 Terri Butler, who represents Kevin Rudd鈥檚 former Queensland seat of Griffith, said the Star Observer was 鈥渁 source of quality, independent journalism鈥� for the LGBTI community.
鈥淲ithout a multiplicity of sources of independent journalism, our democracy suffers. That鈥檚 why community-owned publications are so important 鈥� they allow for voices and perspectives that would otherwise be marginalised or silenced altogether.鈥�
Other politicians, such as NSW upper house Labor MP Penny Sharpe and Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich have shown their support in pledges and countless social media messages urging people to support the campaign.
CEO of the Star Observer, Daniel Bone, said: “We have reported on our community since 1979, loudly demanding political reform and applauding those who have led the charge for decriminalisation and equality.
“Australia鈥檚 early response to HIV shows the power of our elected leaders working hand in hand with the LGBTI community and it is wonderful and humbling to see support from across the political spectrum for the Star Observer,”聽he said.
Donations to the campaign can be made until just after 3pm on Thursday, September 4 at
