Vic: Opposition calls for independent inquiry into radio claims

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2004
Vic: Opposition calls for independent inquiry into radio claims

MELBOURNE, April 29 AAP - An independent public inquiry was needed into whether Prime
Minister John Howard was pressured by radio identity Alan Jones to reappoint the head
of the broadcast watchdog David Flint, Opposition Leader Mark Latham said today.

"They are very, very serious allegations," Mr Latham told ABC regional radio.

"We need to get to the facts of the matter. We need an independent public inquiry."

He said Mr Howard had been put "in the middle" of sledging between rival broadcasters
John Laws and Mr Jones.

"You can't have that cloud hanging over the office of the prime minister," Mr Latham said.

"That's why you need a proper process to establish the facts."

He said there was no problem with people having friendships as long as there was no
undue influence.

Mr Laws yesterday made sensational claims that Mr Jones boasted at a dinner party about
"instructing" Mr Howard to reappoint Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) chairman
Mr Flint in exchange for his support before the 2001 federal election.

Mr Jones denied ever speaking to Mr Howard about Mr Flint and said Mr Laws's comments
were a case of sour grapes.

AAP bw/gfr/apm/bwl t

KEYWORD: FLINT LATHAM

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