Political Content Policy
This guide is for politicians, councillors, candidates, government representatives, political organisations and campaign teams.
In short
In the Cove is independent. We do not endorse political parties, candidates or campaigns.
We may publish factual public-interest information from current elected officials where it serves the community. We do not provide free promotion for political campaigning, profile-building or party-political messaging.
Our independence
In the Cove is an independent local news platform. We are not aligned with any political party, business, organisation, club, church or interest group. Our editorial decisions are made independently.
We will not publish or accept content that jeopardises In the Cove’s independence or our ability to make our own editorial decisions.
Current elected officials
Current elected officials may submit factual information where it is genuinely useful to Lane Cove residents. The key test is: does this information serve the community, or does it serve the politician?
What may be suitable
- Factual updates about local decisions, outcomes or projects that directly affect Lane Cove residents
- Public consultation opportunities and Have Your Say requests
- Announcements of grants, funding or services that directly benefit the Lane Cove area
- Practical information such as road closures, infrastructure updates, safety alerts or service changes
- Invitations for community feedback on matters of local relevance
- Information about official government programs or community support initiatives
What will not be approved
- “I delivered this” style messaging
- Vote-for-me content, election promises or campaign announcements
- Party-political messaging
- Attacks on or criticism of other politicians, candidates or parties
- Fundraisers for political campaigns
- Campaign events or candidate launch events
- Content primarily designed to build a politician’s profile ahead of an election
- Opinion pieces on state or federal political debates not directly relevant to Lane Cove
- Press releases written in a campaigning or promotional tone
Community update vs campaigning
A community update is factual, useful and focused on information the public needs to know. Campaigning is promotional, persuasive or focused on improving the profile of a politician, party or candidate.
During election periods
During election periods, all political content is treated with extra scrutiny. If content could reasonably be interpreted as campaigning, profile-building or election-related promotion, it will be declined or removed.
Candidates, former politicians and political organisations
If you are a candidate but not a current serving elected official, In the Cove does not publish content submitted by you in a political capacity. Former politicians may engage as private residents. Political parties, campaign offices and political advocacy organisations are not permitted to use In the Cove for promotion.
Political advertising
In the Cove does not generally accept political advertising. Any exceptions are at our sole discretion and must comply with all relevant laws, disclosure requirements, platform policies and In the Cove’s editorial boundaries.
Event calendar and Chat group
Current elected officials may submit genuine community events such as public meetings, consultations and free information sessions of direct benefit to Lane Cove residents. Campaign launches, political fundraisers and candidate promotion will not be approved.
The Chat group is not a political campaign forum. Current elected officials may share factual, community-relevant information, maximum once per week, provided it meets this policy. During election periods, political posting may be restricted further.
Detailed Rules and Policies for Chat Groups
Submitting information
These guidelines may be updated from time to time. Submission of information does not guarantee publication. Paid advertising does not guarantee editorial coverage. In the Cove reserves the right to edit, decline or remove content at its discretion.
