Public trust in journalism depends on balance, fairness, and a willingness to present all sides of the story. Unfortunately, ABC Hobart’s Breakfast presenter Ryk Goddard has repeatedly failed to meet these standards, particularly on sensitive issues such as women’s rights, safeguarding, and gender identity.
The Case of Cr Louise Elliott’s Motion
On 14 February 2023, Hobart City Councillor Louise Elliott put forward a motion on single-sex toilets and change rooms—an issue of importance to many Tasmanians. Rather than inviting Cr Elliott onto his show to explain her motion directly, Goddard instead gave airtime to Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnett, who opposes the motion.
The interview:
- Misrepresented Cr Elliott’s motion.
- Included a loaded question: “Is there fear and confusion about inclusive spaces?”
- Lasted three minutes for Burnett and only one minute for Elliott, who had to ring in via talkback herself to get a word in.
When Elliott finally joined the program, she made clear her displeasure at being excluded from the outset. Yet even after this, Goddard made no effort to offer her a proper interview.
“No Harm to the Community”
Perhaps most tellingly, before speaking to Elliott, Goddard announced his aim was to “address this without causing any harm to the community.” This framing presupposes that one side of the debate—namely, women advocating for sex-based rights—is inherently harmful, while those opposing them are not. Such bias undermines both journalistic neutrality and democratic debate.
Why This Matters
By failing to provide fair coverage, Ryk Goddard and the ABC are:
- Silencing women’s voices on issues that directly affect their safety and rights.
- Withholding vital safeguarding information from parents, teachers, and the broader community.
- Eroding journalistic integrity, turning a public broadcaster into a vehicle for one-sided advocacy.
At the heart of journalism lies the principle of hearing both sides. When one side is consistently misrepresented or excluded, the public is denied its right to make informed decisions. That is not journalism—it is ideological gatekeeping.