Open letter to Prime Minister and people of Australia

With regard to the investigation into Bill Henson’s recent exhibition and his other photographs, it is our view that the issue is not about art versus pornography, nor is it about censorship. The central issues are the exploitation of children and their inability to give consent. It is also our view that parents do not have the right to give consent to such activities on behalf of their 12 or 13-year-old children.

We also wish to express our concern about much of the public comment. We are particularly concerned that many appear to suggest that Mr Henson’s photographs are in some way so special as to be above the question of consent. This argument appears to be based on his position as a ‘highly distinguished’ artist, who has been ‘photographing young models for more than 15 years’, whose work has been widely exhibited, and whose work follows ‘a tradition of the nude in art’.

It is our view that artists should be subject to the same ethical standards and laws as others in our community in relation to these principles. It is also our view that a long ‘tradition’ does not justify the continuation of an activity. Forcing children to work for 40 hours a week in mines and factories, for example, is now regarded as exploitation and is no longer legal.

There have also been suggestions that trial by media is distressing and has somehow diminished and corrupted Mr Henson’s art. For us, the most distressing aspect is that it appears that too little thought has been given to the present and future needs for protection of Australia’s children.

We therefore ask that all issues concerning consent, ethics and the law now be clarified or revised so that in future these concerns may be effectively addressed.