A tense exchange between Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Indian-origin ABC journalist Anushri Sood has ignited fresh controversy around the national broadcaster.
The clash, which unfolded at a press conference on Tuesday, revolved around Hezbollah’s designation as a terrorist organisation and whether its supporters should face criminal charges.
Dutton was addressing media following protests in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend, where Hezbollah flags were displayed.
The Opposition Leader condemned the protesters, calling for stronger legislation to criminalise such displays. However, Sood’s question appeared to draw a comparison between Hezbollah and Israel, sparking a sharp response from Dutton.
Sood asked, “With Hezbollah, you’re saying being responsible for the deaths of women and children; groups have commented on the hypocrisy of that situation because there are no bans currently on Israeli flags being raised, despite 45,000 people dying at the hands of the Israeli government.”
Dutton immediately defended Israel, stating,
“Israel is a democracy. It’s not run by a terrorist organisation. Hezbollah is. It is a terrorist organisation.”
Sood then shifted focus, questioning why Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group.
“Could (you) sort of explain what determines something to be a terrorist organisation?”
Dutton expressed disbelief at the question, criticising the ABC for seemingly questioning the government’s decision. “Hezbollah, under Australian law, is a listed terrorist organisation. Now if the ABC doesn’t support that, they should be very clear about it,” he said.
“If that is not clear to the ABC, then the ABC is in even more trouble than I first imagined.”
Hezbollah has been officially recognised as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government since 2003, a designation that has received bipartisan support. The group is also listed as a terrorist entity by the United States and the European Union, with its activities including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and political assassinations, largely funded by Iran and criminal enterprises.
According to SkyNews and the Nightly, the ABC quickly sought to distance itself from Sood’s line of questioning, clarifying that her comments were not reflective of the broadcaster’s official position.
“Hezbollah is listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian Government and the ABC recognises that in its coverage.”
Dutton’s comments have gained traction among political commentators, who accuse the ABC of fostering a culture of activism.
John Storey, Director of Law and Policy at the Institute of Public Affairs, criticised the ABC for what he described as “rampant activism” within the organisation. He pointed out that an ABC journalist’s comparison of Hezbollah’s flag to Israel’s flag highlighted how “divisive and out of touch” the public broadcaster is, emphasising that Israel is a democracy and an ally of Australia.
“It is no wonder Australians have little faith in the integrity of the taxpayer funded broadcaster. Its declining viewership is testament to that. Its purpose and funding should be reviewed. Its conduct suggests it is anything but Australia’s most trusted news source.”
Dutton’s baffling confrontation with Sood comes as the ABC faces scrutiny over its journalistic practices. ABC Chair Kim Williams recently criticised the activist approach taken by some younger journalists, a sentiment echoed in the wake of Sood’s controversial questioning. At the 2024 Lowy Institute Media Award Dinner, Kim said:
“Many of our younger journalists have a much more activist view of the role of journalism, … And not only is it to be discouraged, it is to be ardently opposed.”
Despite calls from some Coalition members for “calmer conversations” about Middle Eastern conflicts, Dutton has continued to push for stronger laws against terrorist sympathisers and urged the government to cancel visas of protesters displaying Hezbollah symbols.
Under current law, displaying terrorist symbols can lead to jail terms of up to 12 months. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confirmed it is investigating “at least six reports of crime” connected to recent weekend rallies and expects these cases to be referred by Victoria Police.
“The AFP has no tolerance for individuals who break the law and will use its extensive capability and networks to take action. Matters referred to the AFP will be reviewed to determine if actions reach thresholds to charge under the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Act 2023.”
As the controversy unfolds, the ABC is under pressure to officially clarify its stance on the matter, while Dutton has solidified his position, emphasising the bipartisan nature of Australia’s anti-terrorism laws and maintaining a firm stance against Hezbollah.
PETER DUTTON AND ABC JOURNALIST’S Q&A IN FULL:
Reporter: With Hezbollah you’re saying being responsible for the deaths of women and children, groups have commented on the hypocrisy of that situation because there are no bans currently on Israeli flags being raised, despite 45,000 people dying at the hands of the Israeli government.
Dutton: Israel is a democracy. It’s not run by a terrorist organisation. Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation, they’re a listed terrorist organisation and if people are in favour of a terrorist organisation they should declare it and authorities can deal with them.
Reporter: And if not the number of deaths, what determines…. What determines the fact that Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation even though-?
Dutton: Where are you from, I’m sorry? Which organisation?
Reporter: Um, ABC.
Dutton: ABC. So what’s the question from the ABC just to be very clear?
Reporter: I just wanted to find out because groups have commented…
Dutton: No, no. But you asked about the listing of the organisation. I just didn’t understand that question I’m sorry.
Reporter: Ah, yep. So, ah.
Dutton: This is a question from Canberra is it? You’re reading it from a phone?
Reporter: Ah, no. So ah. Just wanted to ask in terms of, ah, looking into that for the investigation, you’ve asked the Prime Minister and the minister (Tony Burke) to direct the AFP in its investigation.
Dutton: No. That wasn’t the question you asked. What was the question you asked?
Reporter: I just wanted to understand.
Dutton: No, you asked a question about the listing so just ask that question again.
Reporter: So if you could sort of explain what determines something as a terrorist organisation?
Dutton: Well I had presumed up until this point at least the ABC supported the government’s laws. And the government has passed laws, supported on a bipartisan basis, but not by the ABC it seems, in relation to the prescribing or the listing of a terrorist organisation. Hezbollah under Australian law is a listed terrorist organisation. Now if the ABC doesn’t support that they should be very clear about it because I think that’s quite a departure.
Reporter: That’s not what I’m …
Dutton: But you asked me why the country has listed Hezbollah. They’re a terrorist organisation. They’re organise terrorist attacks and if that is not clear to the ABC, then I think the ABC is in greater trouble than even I first imagined.
Reporter: That wasn’t my question
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