Maggot call has Mitchell under fire
LYONS MP Brian Mitchell is facing heat after calling a journalist a “maggot” because he was asking questions of his colleague.
ABC reporter Matt Wordsworth was quizzing Labor’s Justine Keay about her citizenship status yesterday when Mr Mitchell intervened.
The Labor MP tried to block an ABC cameraman from filming the interview and challenged the reporter’s questions, accusing him of using “prejudicial language”.
Mr Mitchell then said: “Go and do your research, maggot”.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield criticised Mr Mitchell, saying: “Journalists doing their job should not be subjected to abuse.”
Liberal senator Eric Abetz also slated the “outrageous attack” and said the ABC was right to question Ms Keay, who failed to renounce her British citizenship before she nominated for last year’s election.
“Brian Mitchell’s ugly and bullying comment and the silence from his other Tasmanian Labor colleagues is indicative of the Labor culture,” Senator Abetz said.
Mr Mitchell — who used to be a newspaper journalist and editor — later called the reporter to apologise.
He told Parliament that he was sorry for his “heated words”.
“Earlier today, I saw some vision on ABC TV which included some heated words from myself towards a journalist,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I have spoken to Matt Wordsworth from the ABC and apologised.
“I respect, in fact, deeply respect, the work of Mr Wordsworth and all his colleagues in the press gallery, and they should be to do it without fear or favour.”
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance said it was “unacceptable behaviour towards an accredited journalist”.