Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce pulled
out of an appearance on the ABC's Q&A program after
the Prime Minister Tony Abbott ordered frontbenchers
boycott the show.

Mr Joyce's withdrawal from the program came hours
after he confirmed on the ABC's Insiders program
that he would be appearing, saying it would be
"interesting."

I for one was looking forward to his appearance to
talk about things that matter to the National Party
generally (he is their Deputy Leader), and to discuss the
Government's White Paper on Agriculture and the plans
the Government has for the future of agriculture in
this country. I was especially interested on what Mr
Joyce's views were on allowing foreign owners to buy
our agricultural land.

It seems that Mr Joyce was being denied an
opportunity to discuss important issues on a top-rating program.
A program where viewers get to ask questions of ministers.

Malcolm Turnbull is scheduled to appear next week.
Mr Turnbull has said in the past that he doesn't believe
in boycotting the show. We'll have to wait and see.

Interesting times ahead.

What are your views on this situation?

Hi Foxy, an interesting subject!
I believe Turnbull will go on the show.
Surely, as communication minister, it is appropriate?

What is Abbott afraid of?
He embarrassed Barnaby Joyce by spitting his dummy and saying that if the ABC boys won't agree with our policies, we won't play with them.

For goodness sakes, the show is a great platform for any Government to get their policies across to the masses.
Any PM who doesn't take advantage of that is a fool.

I think those of us who feel the ABC is biased should follow suit and boycott this thread.

"I think those of us who feel the ABC is biased should follow suit and boycott this thread."

There you go folks! - so much for open and candid discussion. CH reckons stunt-boy's latest stunt is a goer.

It could be watershed moment re the Liberal leadership.

Will Mal stand up to his nemesis, the remarkable Mr Abbott, and treat this with the contempt it deserves - or will he fold? Which democratic country has a Communications minister who is banned from communicating on one of the most widely watched forums in the country?

Mal has started his move on Tones and his ridiculous terror hysteria.

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/07/malcolm-turnbull-we-must-not-amplify-threat-of-isis?CMP=soc_568

"Malcolm Turnbull: we must not amplify threat of Isis"

But the other interesting point is that Abbott had primed Ray Martin to "review" QandA....problem is that Martin criticised the boycott as "silly".

"Martin said on Tuesday that some of the "rants and raves" following former terror suspect and convicted criminal Zaky Mallah's appearance on the program had been "crazy"."

Now the RWNJ's in the Coalition are calling for him to step down from that role:

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/ray-martin-urged-to-step-down-from-qa-review-after-calling-boycott-silly-20150707-gi75x0.html

Clearly, Martin is just not partisan enough - which will never do!

Oh and Barnaby was said to be rather cross (aka "furious) being as he'd been quite keen to rabbit on about his white paper....

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/06/barnaby-joyce-said-to-be-furious-at-tony-abbotts-ban-on-his-qa-appearance

Dear Suse,

I also feel that this was a missed opportunity for
Mr Joyce.

One of the pre-requisites for democracy is that the
media not be censored - that citizens have the right
of free speech, and that public officials tell the
truth.

When attempts at silencing the media are made, when
information is concealed or people are lied to,
these actions are contrary to democratic values and
it damages public faith in our political institutions.
Under such circumstances voters are denied access to
information, the democratic process becomes a sham, and
people cannot use their rights to make choices in a
meaningful way.

We are not a totalitarian regime - yet.

Dear CH,

I am surprised - actually shocked that you have
nothing to say on this crucial subject.

What is the panic about, the ban is only for a short period.
Talk about knickers in a twist !
Is this the best you can do ?