Article chosen: RMIT ABC Fact Check 2020, ‘Was former Australia Post CEO Christine Holgate correct when she said taxpayers’ money wasn’t used to purchase Cartier watches?’ ABC News, 18 December, viewed 11 March 2021, <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-18/did-australia-post-use-taxpayers-money-to-purchase-cartier-watch/12967188>

This Fact Check article discusses the recent scandal involving Christine Holgate, the former CEO of Australia Post, as well as the relationship between the federal government and Australia Post. I was interested at looking at this article because it was based on something that was only short-lived in this media cycle. When the scandal was first revealed openly, Melbourne was about to end their COVID-19 lockdowns, and the USA were about to vote; taking the oxygen from a comparatively minor story. Also, as a long term Post employee, I assumed that I was familiar enough with the watch scandal to be able to understand what facts were being checked.

The article itself was thorough, as it needed to explain Australia Post’s structure, as it is a ‘government business enterprise,’ something that may not be understood by the average person. I found it helpful that Fact Check remained on topic with the single claim, rather than trying to examine the entire scandal, as it could easily make the article confusing. It discussed the history of Australia Post specifically its change from a government department to a GBE, and the reasons why the government chose that structure. It also looked at the difference between government ownership and government funding.

For evidence, Fact Check examined legislation that governs Australia Post’s operations, as well as financial statements and Hansard. They also interviewed commercial law academics, and referenced a journal article and editorial piece. I believe that the use of both primary and secondary sources was well balanced, and made for a trustworthy and accessible investigation. The ‘Not cut and dried’ verdict is a reasonable finding, considering how fine the line is due to Australia Post’s business structure.

This otherwise dry article is important, as government funding and ownership is often oversimplified by some media sources, especially when the loaded term ‘taxpayer money’ is used.