Women Speak Tasmania

Tag: The Advocate

  • Editorial Activism and the Loss of Public Trust

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    Local newspapers once played a vital role in Tasmanian communities. They were not simply businesses or platforms for headlines — they were forums where ordinary people could debate local issues, raise concerns, respond to public decisions, and feel connected to civic life. Increasingly, many Tasmanians feel that role is disappearing. As a women’s rights organisation…

  • A Witch Hunt in Burnie? The Campaign to Remove Trent Aitken

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    Burnie City Councillor Trent Aitken, known locally as the “Boy from Burnie,” has been at the centre of ongoing controversy since early 2025 following social media comments relating to gender identity and transgender issues. What began as a Facebook post evolved into formal complaints, petitions, widespread media coverage, political pressure, and ultimately a 14-day suspension…

  • The Advocate Again Misrepresents Women Speak Tasmania

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    Women Speak Tasmania (WST) is once again the target of biased coverage in The Advocate, this time in relation to our rescheduled forum at the Devonport RSL. The April 11 article, titled “Controversial group sets sight on another venue in quest to hold forum,” repeats activist talking points, including comments from Rodney Croome who accused…

  • The Advocate’s Bias Against Women Speak Tasmania

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    When Women Speak Tasmania’s planned North West forums were cancelled by Devonport Library and The Hive, we expected local media to report fairly. Instead, The Advocate chose to frame us through a biased lens — echoing activist talking points and misrepresenting our position. Journalist Sarah Fittock contacted us with questions, but the story published implied…