Media Policy

Power and Water is a provider of essential services and as such, its services and work will from time to time, be of interest to the media.

Power and Water recognises the important role the media plays in providing the community with up to date information, especially in times of crisis or natural disaster.

As such, Power and Water will strive to the best of its ability, to provide the media with timely and accurate information.  However, there will be times when for privacy, commercial or policy reasons, it will not be appropriate to respond or provide information to the media.

It is Power and Water Corporation’s Media Policy that:

• All enquires should be directed to our Media Relations Manager.
• Only the following staff are authorised to speak to the media or to nominate a representative:
• Managing Director
• General Manager Strategy and Corporate Affairs
• Senior Manager Corporate and Government Affairs
• Media Relations Manager
• Power and Water will not comment on government policy. This is the role of the Minister and/or his/her ministerial colleagues. All such enquiries should be directed to the relevant minister’s office.
• If an official statement is required, it will be released to the media via the Senior Manager Corporate and Government Affairs or Media Relations Manager. Follow-up interviews in response to a statement or media release will be made by the nominated spokesperson.
• Corporate information relating to, or affecting, the security of our assets, facilities, operations or commerciality will not be provided to the media or others without the relevant authorisation.
• The privacy and identity of individuals (staff and customers) and the businesses and organisations (contractors, suppliers, customers) that have dealings with Power and Water will be respected at all times.
• The comment of Power and Water staff interviewed by media on a private basis and without authorisation do not represent the views of the Corporation.
• At the site of a major incident (cyclone, car crash, flooding etc), involving Power and Water facilities, the area may be under the direction and control of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services.  Media requests for access to the site and/or for comment should be directed to the Media Relations Manager who will then advise the appropriate contact person.
• Media representatives should carry identification provided by their organisation. Media identification does not allow automatic access to Power and Water facilities or work sites. Requests for access and arrangements to facilitate this can be made with the Media Relations Manager.
• In cases where major works are being undertaken by Power and Water crews (e.g. removal of trees that have fallen on powerlines), media must comply with all safety directions and distance requirements of the crew supervisor and/or traffic management officer.
• The majority of Power and Water Corporation’s operational facilities (power stations, substations, treatment plants and pumping stations) require the wearing of full personal protection equipment. While Power and Water can assist in the provision of most safety gear (hard hats, high visibility vests, safety glasses), members of the media and their production crews need to be aware of the requirement to wear and provide their own long sleeved shirts, long pants and steel capped boots/shoes.

June 2009