Editorial standards

We publish only when the location, date, procedural status and material claim can be supported. A repeated claim is not independent confirmation.

Headlines must not state an allegation as fact or imply that a planning milestone is a development approval when it is not.

• Confirmed: supported by an accessible primary record or clearly attributed authoritative statement.
• Reported: attributed to a reputable publisher where the underlying primary record is not accessible.
• Alleged or disputed: expressly labelled and accompanied by available response or procedural context.
• Unresolved: the next decision, hearing, deadline or evidence gap is stated.

Watchdesk is not a blacklist. Relevance, public impact and evidence—not embarrassment or popularity—determine inclusion.

A subject’s material response stays attached to the record. Resolved matters remain available with their outcome so the accusation is not preserved without the resolution.

Commercial relationships, sponsorships or personal interests that could reasonably affect a report must be disclosed. Sponsored material must never be presented as an independently selected Watchdesk case.

Neutral changes supported by primary sources may be published after automated checks pass. Credible reporting without accessible primary evidence is held for review. Anonymous accusations and unsupported social posts are not automatically published.