The Bondi terrorist attack was a shocking and traumatic event for Australia and especially for the Jewish community. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Jewish community and everyone impacted by the terrorist attack.
It is understandable at times such as these for the community to search for answers.
Questions about the role of the media, including the central role of the ABC, in sustaining a cohesive and inclusive society in a responsible manner are vitally important. These are questions we ask of ourselves on a daily basis.
However, it is important that reviews are factual and accurate.
Last Tuesday the ABC’s ‘Politics Now’ podcast, hosted by Patricia Karvelas alongside Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle, sought to tackle some of the issues that had emerged in the national conversation in the wake of the Bondi attack. Journalist Laura Tingle has since been criticised for one comment made in the podcast that was about separating religion from radicalisation. Her analysis and the program in no way sought to minimise the terrorist nature of these horrific events, or the needs for Australia to combat antisemitism, or the rights of Jewish people to feel safe.
Sarah Ferguson was criticised for an interview she conducted with Josh Frydenberg on 7.30 on Wednesday 17 December. Mr Frydenberg had previously made comments which sought to lay blame for the horrific attacks directly on the Prime Minister. Sarah’s interview included a question on his potential return to politics which was a legitimate question for a journalist to put to him.
The ABC has reviewed both comments and the programs in question and believes that the criticisms made are unfounded.