Adjudication No. 558 (March 1992) [1992] APC 28

Adjudication No. 558 (March 1992)

Although critical of the Cairns Post for taking too long to publish a correction, the Australian Press Council has dismissed a complaint against the Cairns Post by Mr Gerald Grossman.

Mr Grossman complains that an article reporting the repainting of parking meters by Cairns City Council contained inaccuracies.

It was reported that the meters had mostly been damaged by bicycles being chained to them, and, as part of a prevention programme, "bicycles chained to the meters can be confiscated and owners fined $200."

Advice to Mr Grossman from the Cairns City Council concerning its relevant By-Law indicates, inter alia, that the bicycle could be removed but not confiscated. The council could not require payment for removal expenses or stipulate a detention charge. The owner or person having custody could recover the bicycle at a time and from a storage place - suitable to council. Secondly, the fine as reported ($200) is not a definite amount. The actual amount of the fine would be determined by the Court. Currently this would not exceed $500.

Whilst it is true that there were inaccuracies in the original article, the Press Council believes a subsequent article published some two months later by the paper presented the correct details; however, the Council believes it should have been published sooner.