Professional Standards and Complaints Policy
1. Independence
At all times, editorial content will not be influenced by any financial contributions or other considerations from outside entities.
Whenever advertising or other sponsored content is published, that content will be clearly labelled to distinguish it from our independent editorial content.
2. Accuracy
We aim to ensure that all editorial content is accurate and is presented in context.
3. Fairness
We are committed to the following hallmarks of fairness:
Providing a reasonable opportunity to respond where allegations or criticisms are made
Attributing information to its source wherever possible
Not plagiarising or misrepresenting the work of others
Informing those we approach or contact that we are journalists
4. Diversity
We aim to be relevant to the community we serve, and to include an appropriately wide diversity of voices, views and issues.
5. Harm and Offence
While some content may offend, disturb or annoy, we aim to avoid unnecessary, excessive or gratuitous harm and offence to the extent compatible with our role as a source of public interest news.
6. Privacy
We have a privacy policy relating to the protection and management of any personally identifiable information gathered and/or shared via our platforms.
In addition, we are committed to ensuring that any content which intrudes into the private lives of individuals is appropriate and proportionate when balanced with the public interest in the disclosure of information and freedom of expression.
7. Moderation of comments
The Southern Wire encourages contributions and comments on stories. However, those comments should contribute to a civil conversation and they should not be abusive, contain personal attacks, be inflammatory, racist or profane. We reserve the right to make the decisions about which comments violate these ground rules and our broader editorial guidelines, and will moderate comments at our discretion.
8. Advertising
We may accept advertising or sponsored content in a number of forms, including through paid business listings and display advertisements. Where such advertising is accepted, it will be clearly labelled to distinguish it from editorial content.
9. Accountability and Corrections
We make all reasonable efforts to abide by these editorial standards, and invite any community members who feel the standards have been breached to complain in writing. Material complaints will be taken seriously, and any breaches of these standards will be acknowledged and corrections made.
10. The Southern Wire is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach editor@thesouthernwire.com.au or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at www.presscouncil.org.au. The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
We pride ourselves on providing a reliable, courteous and professional service to the communities we serve.
For full information on the professional standards:
Standards - Australian Press Council
For full information on our complaints handling policy:
Making a complaint - Australian Press Council
If you have any queries or professional standards and complaints policies please contact us.