The Eatock V. Bolt: FCA 1103 Case

330 Words2 Pages
The Eatock v Bolt (2011) FCA 1103 case is a striking example of how unregulated Media power can undermine and humiliate the interests of the vulnerable. It was alleged that Mr Andrew Bolt, Australian journalist and right-wing political commentator, racially vilified Mrs Pat Eatock and various other members of the Indigenous community. Bolt’s comments were reportedly insensitive to the “light-skinned” Aboriginals of Australia, in which he vilified unlawfully under Section18C (1) through “insulting, humiliating, offensive” commentary. At the conclusion of the case it was found that Bolt did indeed breech the provisions of Section18C. But it was the nature of his punishment which reignited the flame to the Section18 debate. While substantial compensation