The Age’s political editor Michelle Grattan nails the Australian government’s reluctance to take on the US over David Hicks:
“It is no surprise that Howard pronounces himself satisfied with American assurances that the former prosecutors’ allegations have been thoroughly investigated.
“Still, the following ABC exchange yesterday was extraordinary.
Jon Faine: (Investigated) by whom?
PM: “By the people against whom the allegations were made.”
Faine: “So the American military prosecutors investigated these allegations by someone on their staff about them?”
PM: “Yes, but hang on, hang on, if someone complains about something they believe is wrong in the ABC here in Melbourne, you don’t immediately bring in someone from outside.”
“Well, there’s a comparison for you.”