Rudd brands The Australian ‘right-wing’
Oct 14
It’s hardly on par with the White House’s war with Fox News in Washington, but prime minister Kevin Rudd has directed a pointed jibe at the Australian newspaper, describing it as a “right-wing” publication with a determined agenda to oppose the government.
At a public meeting in Tasmania last night, the Prime Minister was asked by a member of the public about the emissions trading scheme’s economic impact on businesses and consumers. The questioner cited the Australian in suggesting that the ETS would be the equivalent of raising the GST by 25 per cent. While describing the Australian’s ostensible position as a “democratic right”, Rudd said:
“If you cite your source as the Australian newspaper, I simply say this: [It is a] free country; every paper can express their point of view – the editor of the Australian has said that he edits a right-wing newspaper – and so he does.
“Let us not pretend that it would seek to present itself as an objective source of information. It opposes the government’s actions on climate change, and has done so consistently.”
The Australian’s editor Chris Mitchell did not contest the thrust of Rudd’s comments, noting only that he had described the newspaper as “centre-right”, not “right-wing”.
Media Spy discussion: The Australian
Cyril Washbrook October 14th 2009