National broadcaster defends approach to WikiLeaks founder
On last night's Q&A program: Julian Assange asked Ms Gillard if she had shared intelligence on its citizens with foreign powers and whether the Australian people should charge her with treason.
The broadcaster has also confirmed Ms Gillard was not aware of the hostile video question in which he questioned whether she was guilty of treason. The decision to offer a Mr Assange a question was made by the program's executive director Peter McEvoy. The ABC's communications director Michael Millett said the initial contact was made about a week ago through people connected with Mr Assange. "The ABC had no role in the making of the video and had no knowledge of what the question was,'' he told The Australian Online.
Mr Millett said the Prime Minster was not aware she would be asked a question by Mr Assange before the program went to air, but she did not object to it afterwards. It's understood the Prime Minister's office will not make an official complaint. Mr Millett defended the segment, saying it was a "newsworthy event''.
It is not the first time the ABC has used a video question in such a way. After releasing his recent biography, former prime minister John Howard appeared on the program, where he was asked an antagonistic question by former Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks. He had a shoe thrown at him by a disgruntled audience member during the same program.