This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

One Nation Has A Clear Conflict Of Interest In Calling For ABC Budget Cuts

The broadcaster is being accused for "unfair treatment", AKA journalism.

CANBERRA -- Under investigation by the Australian Electoral Commission for possible breaches of electoral laws and facing mounting pressure, One Nation senators are attempting to flex their crossbench muscles by demanding that the Turnbull Government slash the budget of the ABC.

Or else.

"Else" is billions of dollars' worth of budget measures plus major government legislative packages like media reforms.

Why the ABC?

And 730.

And any ABC journalist asking One Nation questions over those secret recordings, that plane, who paid for it, why it was paid for and what chief of staff James Ashby is up to. That's among other things.

On Tuesday, Hanson described questions about the plane and donations as "disgusting". Now the party is trying to take action.

"It's about time we took a stand against the ABC because if it's us and they destroy us, what is it next, the government? They're showing total bias against One Nation," One Nation senator Brian Burston told The Australian.

The ABC is certainly not the only media outfit inconveniently asking One Nation to be accountable as a political party, but it is the major one receiving public funding.

Labor Senator Murray Watt has had enough.

"That is the kind of effort that Senator Hanson is willing to go to to silence her critics, to try to shut down legitimate questions, she won't talk to journalists, she's threatening the ABC," he told reporters in Canberra.

"Today is the day that Senator Hanson needs to come forward and make a full statement to the media and the Australian public about exactly what has gone on in this scandal. She can't keep hiding from these questions forever.

And, less than 24 hours later, a back down from Hanson with the release of a statement saying "ABC cuts will not make of break budget support".

It was not without a dig or two at the ABC, but the threat has been withdrawn.

"Despite the ABC's bloated budget and regular displays of bias, it would be not be in the nation's best interests to block government supply in exchange for sweeping cuts to the National Broadcaster," the statement said.

"If the Government wanted to show it was serious about media reform and deficit reduction it would reign in the out of control ABC and SBS."

"The people want One Nation to deal with all legislation on is merits, and the Government's budget will be no different."

Pauline Hanson, One Nation Leader

Earlier, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has politely batted away the demand and urged One Nation to consider government bills "on their merits".

"The budget situation for the ABC has been established," he told RN Breakfast.

"It is open to crossbench colleagues to raise any issue that they want, but we put our legislation forward to the parliament to be considered on its merits."

Click below to follow HuffPost Australia Politics on Facebook!

ALSO ON HUFFPOST AUSTRALIA

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.