Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Henderson. I was actually asked about this matter on Sky News myself yesterday morning, and the point I made there was that everyone, no matter whether they're a CEO of a large Australian company or a senator or any member of the public, is entitled to feel safe in their own home. As I think one of our ministers—and certainly Minister Rowland—commented last week, it's simply unacceptable for anyone to present a risk to a human being in their own home, as would appear to have occurred in Perth last week. The ABC managing director has made statements that he is investigating this matter. I think it would be a good idea for us to reserve judgement until we see the results of that investigation, but I have seen the photos that Senator Henderson refers to and, as I said yesterday, I think they're very worrying. I know that Minister Rowland has already sought information from the ABC about what has occurred here. Of course, the ABC does have editorial independence, and that does need to be respected, but I think all of us would be concerned if we learned that a film crew from any media outlet was involved in any way in an activity that is intimidating and goes way beyond what should be acceptable in public debate.