Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has opened up a new front in the federal government's long running fight with the ABC by questioning aepisode entitled "Inside the Canberra Bubble" about allegedly inappropriate relations between two ministers and female staffers.
Mr Fletcher characterised those approached for comment as "either politically hostile towards the Liberal Party or personally hostile towards ... the ministers". The story included interviews with several Liberals, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and serving senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who told the program that with regard to ministers' personal conduct "whatever may have happened 'on tour' ought to be a matter for public disclosure".has already argued that it thinks the ABC was mostly justified in its decision to report on the issue.
This is a difficult area and Mr Fletcher, like any citizen, is entitled to contribute to the debate. Politicians, both Liberal and Labor, have often complained bitterly in the past about the broadcaster's coverage.