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The NSW government will refer a magazine featuring a naked child on the cover to the Australian Classification board.
Art Monthly Australia magazine sparked fresh controversy over naked images of children by publishing an image of a six-year-old girl on its cover to protest against the recent furore over similar pictures by artist Bill Henson.
NSW police seized a number of Mr Henson’s photographs featuring near-naked or naked children in recent months, but were returned to a Sydney art gallery without charges being laid.
The July edition of Art Monthly Australia published the cover image in protest at the “hysteria” over Mr Henson’s work.
It also includes several provocative photos of children posing naked in adult jewellery as well as naked teenage girls.
NSW community services minister Kevin Greene said the images had been inappropriately hijacked for political mileage.
“I will refer this to the ACB tomorrow, and the community also should let (the Board) know what they think,” Mr Greene told reporters in Sydney.
Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell labelled the publication a “provocative publicity stunt” and called for a review of Arts Council’s funding for the magazine.
He said the average parent faced strict regulation of photographing their children at school events, and would be frustrated by the actions of the magazine.
“I understand they are in receipt of funding from the Arts Council and I assume there are procedures where that can be reviewed by Mr Rudd and his ministers,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“I notice (Premier) Morris Iemma hasn’t ruled them out receiving state government funds in the future.
“The public are furious about the double standards, I think taxpayers are angry when they see funds used in this way and to review it, I think, would be sensible.”
AAP
