National Press Club is only interested in status quo journalism

October 6, 2025

Does Australia have a fearless independent National Press Club to host challenging thought-provoking speakers like Chris Hedges, a world-renowned award-winning journalist? Or must we rely on an insular group of journalists more interested in status quo journalism that will never be questioned?

The NPC’s response to criticism of its decision to cancel the Hedges address is alarming because it tries to use that hackneyed “balance argument“ to justify its decision. How could any self-respecting journalist or media organisation provide “balance“ to Israel’s genocide and the murder of more than 67,000 civilians?

Further, it is arguable that the NPC itself practises what it preaches in choosing international speakers because in recent years it relies on ‘’trusted allies“ like ambassadors for the US, Ukraine and Israel. No doubt while ambassadors from many nations are based only a short drive from the NPC, it seems we must wait a long time to hear “balance“ from these representatives, who could contribute many insights into the current state of global relations and defiance of international law.