Media union denounces proposed legislation as a threat to freedom and democracy

The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union representing workers in Australia’s media and creative industries, calls on the Federal Parliament to reject the Federal Government’s new proposed legislation, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.

The proposal undermines core principles of press freedom and freedom of artistic expression and poses a threat to our democracy.

Journalists, creative workers, and ...

MEAA condemns Adelaide Festival’s decision to drop Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah

MEAA condemns Adelaide Festival Board’s decision to cancel a scheduled appearance of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah at Adelaide Writers’ Week. The union fully supports all members who have withdrawn from the festival in solidarity.

Adelaide Writer’s Week has long been a place for bold ideas and freedom of expression.

The Festival Board’s suggestion that the mere presence of a Palestinian novelist who has ...

SBS staff stand up to hostile management and reject inadequate enterprise offer

MEAA members at SBS have rejected an enterprise agreement offer proposed by management that failed to include a fair pay rise or adequate protections around the use of artificial intelligence — their first no vote in more than a decade.

The vote follows ABC’s rejection of a similarly unfair offer last month and means media workers at both public broadcasters are ...

MEAA expresses shock and sadness at Bondi terror tragedy

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance wishes to express its deep shock and sadness at the tragic attack that unfolded in Bondi last night.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected — the families who have lost loved ones, those who were injured, the Jewish community, and the broader Bondi community, who are now left to grapple with what has taken place.

“As ...

Industry-leading EBA struck at Private Media

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) members and Private Media have reached an agreement on industry-leading conditions for AI, First Nations cultural and ceremonial leave, and reproductive health leave.

In an industry first, Private Media has explicitly stated in its new enterprise agreement that AI would not replace human workers, with all output to have human oversight.

The company ...