ABC political journalist Laura Tingle faced criticism from her employer after asserting that Australia is a ‘racist country’ during the Sydney Writers’ Festival. The incident has sparked a debate on impartiality and funding of the taxpayer-funded broadcaster.
ABC political journalist Laura Tingle faced reprimand from her employer after asserting that Australia is a ‘racist country’ during the Sydney Writers’ Festival on Sunday. Tingle, the chief political correspondent for the 7.30 program, made the statement during a panel discussion, also accusing Opposition leader Peter Dutton of promoting anti-migrant sentiment while commending Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership.
ABC News Director Justin Stevens addressed the comments, stating that Tingle’s remarks lacked context, balance, and didn’t meet the ABC’s editorial standards. Although the comments were made outside her official work capacity, Stevens emphasized the unique obligations ABC employees have. Tingle later issued a detailed statement on the ABC website clarifying her position, acknowledging that her comments were part of a broader discussion on political prospects and migration.
The incident has sparked criticism and debate about impartiality at the taxpayer-funded broadcaster, with some voices calling for ABC’s defunding. Tingle, appointed to the ABC board as the staff-elected director in 2023, reaffirmed her stance, stating that Australia has a clear issue with racism. Meanwhile, ABC’s Managing Director David Anderson is set to address the issue at a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday.
