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Context and decisions regarding the appearance of Mr Zaky Mallah on the ABC's Q&A program on 22 June 2015
Summary of Investigation Report
Nature of Investigation
On 22 June 2015, Mr Zaky Mallah joined the live audience of the Q&A program produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Mr Mallah asked a question and subsequently engaged in a short debate with the panel.
On 25 June 2015 the Minister for Communications, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull, MP requested the Department investigate:
- The context in which Mr Mallah appeared on Q&A, including his previous engagement with the ABC.
- The decision making process for this appearance.
- The protocols that were used in regard to physical security for the live broadcast.
- The decision making process for the subsequent re-broadcast of the Q&A episode.
- The extent to which existing broadcasting codes apply to this situation.
Context and Limitations
The Department has not been asked to make recommendations or to provide opinions on the matters investigated. The role of the Department has been to establish the relevant facts and provide these to the Minister. The Department has, in performing its role, relied on information (written and oral) provided by the ABC. The ABC has cooperated with this investigation. While the Department has no reason to doubt the veracity of the information provided by the ABC, the Department has not audited that information. The ABC reviewed a draft of the full report prepared by the Department and relevant comments and clarifications were incorporated in that draft version and this summary.
