The ABC’s coverage of the Iraq war is under scrutiny by the ABA as a result of a government complaint, but the Federal Opposition says there could be a conflict of interest in the investigation.
During an ABC Senate estimates hearing, Labor Senator Sue Mackay questioned whether the ABA’s chair, Professor David Flint should be heading the investigation because of his personal views in favour of the war, and drew into question the impartiality of the board, which was appointed by the person making the complaint (Senator Alston).
The ABA told the committee any possible conflict of interest will be considered at the corporation’s March board meeting.
IN the Eastimates Committee Senator MacKay said: “Given these are the views in his book, I don’t think any reasonable person can say that Professor Flint can chair an inquiry that’s going to look at this in a dispassionate fashion.”
Senator Mackay questioned both ABA Chairman David’ Flint’s impartiality and raised the question of the Minister making a complaint to a board which he had mostly appointed. The exchange of views in the Senate Committee went like this:
Senator MACKAY — Mr Tanner or Ms Maddock, can the ABA confirm that a complaint has been received
from ex-Senator Alston regarding ABC war coverage in Iraq…
Ms Maddock — It is not our policy to identify complainants [but] I would note that Senator Alston has identified himself in the press…
Senator MACKAY — … How many
members of the current board were appointed by then Minister Alston?
Ms Maddock — I think I am the one who was not. I have been appointed by the current minister, so that is
six out of the seven.
Senator MACKAY — Six out of the seven were appointed by Senator Alston… I could be forgiven for making the observation that this is Caesar judging Caesar a
little, in that six out of the seven members of the board were appointed by the then minister, Senator Alston,
and the board has made the determination to look at the complaints itself, in a fairly unprecedented procedural
sense…
And Later in the Committee hearing:
Senator MACKAY—What about the war in Iraq? Does the ABA have a policy position on that?
Ms Maddock—It is not an ABA issue.
Senator MACKAY—Professor Flint has views on these issues. Does the ABA have a view on Professor
Flint’s views on these issues?
Senator Kemp—I do not think that is an appropriate comment.
Senator MACKAY—I think it is…
Senator MACKAY—Has anybody in the ABA expressed a view to Professor Flint about his public views?… I guess all I am asking is: are you aware whether there has been any
formal view put to Professor Flint with respect to his public views and how his public views may impact on
the ABA?
Ms Maddock—I would like to take that on notice…
Senator MARK BISHOP— Has he given any indication whether he intends to participate
into the formal complaint process initiated by Senator Alston?