Complaint against The Northern Star upheld after political candidate claims it ruined his election chances

The Australian Press Council has censured The Northern Star for failing to approach an independent candidate of the Lismore City Council election for comment, after he was criticised in a letter to the editor from the deputy major of Lismore City Council.

Greg Bennett, an independent candidate in the Lismore City Council election, made a complaint to the Press Council Board about a letter entitled ‘Choose Wisely’ in the Northern Star on September 10 2016 – the day of the local election.

The letter was submitted by deputy major, Simon Clough, who expressed what Bennett would “seek to do” if he won the majority of seats on Lismore City Council, and the possible implications and risks of such actions.