Abbott orders show boycott

AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Tony Abbott has told ministers to boycott a popular talk show on the national broadcaster.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp was criticised after a former terror suspect was allowed on a live Q&A two weeks ago.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has reportedly cancelled his appearance tonight.

“The Prime Minister has communicated he does not want any frontbencher to appear on Q&A,” a spokesman for Mr Joyce told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Q&A pro gramme has b e c o me a h e a t e d forum for debate i n Au s t r a l i a about national security and freedom of speech.