Editorial: Slater's example is not one to follow

OPINION: An internet blogger should be roundly condemned for publishing the name of a prominent Manawatu man granted name suppression after admitting downloading thousands of child porn images.

The decision to protect the man's identity has attracted national attention after the case was reported in the Manawatu Standard on Saturday.

This newspaper criticised the decision on the grounds the judge cited the offender's social status as supporting suppression. The Standard has been inundated with support for its stance, and will continue to call for greater openness in reporting the proceedings of public courts.

However, opposition to how suppression orders are applied should never extend to deliberately flouting the law. Doing so is neither courageous, clever nor constructive. Auckland blogger Cameron Slater, who faces charges in relation to other suppression breaches, might like to think of himself as a martyr for free speech, but his decision to out the Manawatu man undermines his credibility and the cause of those seeking meaningful change.

Whether one agrees with the law or not, respect for the rule of law is the cornerstone of a civilised society. Mr Slater seems to think the law is a foreign mechanism that is imposed upon people without their comment or consent. It's not; the law belongs to us and we have the power to influence it.

In the case of name suppression, widespread public dissatisfaction is already in the process of effecting change. The Law Commission's report on the subject has recommended the Government legislates so courts are required to apply a tougher and more explicit test when considering suppression applications.

Justice Minister Simon Power has publicly supported that recommendation and the issue will be debated in Parliament in the coming months. Change is at hand and the genesis of that change was public opinion.

So, don't waste your time with Mr Slater's blog – he's a one trick pony more concerned with raising his website's profile than tackling an issue of legitimate public concern. Instead, contact your local MP, write a letter to the editor, discuss the issue with friends and colleagues, and make your views known.

The beauty of this country is that we can all engage in the public debate and influence the laws by which we are governed.

Following a legitimate process in the pursuit of change will lead to outcomes that are legitimate.

Following Mr Slater's path might lead to a more popular website and a higher public profile, but it achieves little else.

One more thing

Congratulations to the Manawatu representative cricket side, which lifted the Hawke Cup off Hawke's Bay in Napier yesterday.

The young side has done remarkably well this season, and it's great to see another local sports team flying the green and white flag.

- © Fairfax NZ News