Anthony Albanese slams journalist for ‘unethical’ behavior after being caught in hot mic moment
Anthony Albanese has responded to a journalist who broadcast a ‘hot mic’ moment in which the Australian Prime Minister was overheard in a candid conversation with a senior US official.
The audio recording is a recording of a conversation between Mr Albanese and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, in which they discuss the Pacific Policing Initiative, under which Australia will fund the $400 million plan.
When Campbell said the US would withdraw and let Australia implement the policy, Albanese joked that he would welcome US involvement if it halved the cost.
The Pacific Policing Initiative, which will be rolled out over the next five years, was approved on Wednesday by leaders attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum.
The initiative involves police units from multiple countries, four training centers in the region and a coordination center in Brisbane. Australia and the US want to strengthen their regulatory role in the Pacific to counter China’s strategic interests in the region.
“Well, we had a blast today with the Pacific Policing Initiative,” the prime minister was heard saying over the hot mic.
“It’s so important. It’s going to make such a difference.”
Mr Campbell praised the PPI, calling it “fantastic” and “wonderful”.
“I spoke to Kevin about it,” he said, referring to Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd.
The Australian Prime Minister was speaking casually to US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell (pictured) on the sidelines of the PIF when he made the comments, providing a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into international diplomacy
The Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), an Australian-funded policing plan to be rolled out over the next five years, was approved on Wednesday by Pacific leaders attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum
“So you know we were going to do something (but) he asked us not to do it, so we didn’t do it.
“We gave you the job. So take the job.”
“If you want, you can give us half the price,” Albanese joked, laughing and patting the American official on the shoulder, causing him to chuckle.
“It’ll only cost you… a little,” he added.
The video was recorded by Radio New Zealand journalist Lydia Lewis and posted on social media.
At the end of the footage, Pacific Minister Pat Conroy reprimanded the journalist for filming the exchange, saying, “Oh! Come on, Lydia.”
On Thursday morning, Mr Albanese accused the journalist of being unethical and filming him without his consent.
“It was a private conversation, a happy, friendly conversation,” said Albanese, who described Campbell as “a buddy of mine.”
“The video is what it is: it’s up to whoever made it to think about their own ethics when it comes to journalism.”
He added: “If I were a journalist, I wouldn’t do that myself, and I know most of you wouldn’t either.”
RNZ’s chief news officer Mark Stevens told Daily Mail Australia the company “stands behind its reporter and his reporting”.
“After speaking with our reporter, I can say there is no indication that they acted unethically or that they violated our strict editorial rules,” Mr. Stevens said.
Pacific leaders have hailed the PPI as a sign of unity and shared responsibility. It is a major strategic win for Canberra as it helps to channel China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
