Anthony Albanese. Source : Wikimedia Commons (Used under Creative Commons)
Ben Fordham has revealed Anthony Albanese’s office has made selective edits to the transcript of an interview conducted earlier this week.
Mr Fordham, who is a host at radio station 2GB, accused the Prime Minister of “rewriting history” as he drew attention to the removal, and replacement, of Mr Albanese’s words from the official transcript.
In the interview, held on Wednesday, Mr Fordham asked about Mr Albanese not seeking legal advice from the Attorney-General on the referendum to be held this year to address the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
“Why didn’t you get legal advice from the highest law office holder in the land, the Attorney-General of Australia?” Mr Fordham asked in the interview.
Mr Albanese responded by saying Mr Fordham was confusing two issues, to which Mr Fordham pressed the question.
Mr Albanese said the Attorney-General was not around to give the advice.
“The Attorney-General isn’t there to give legal advice.” Mr Albanese said.
“The Attorney-General is the Attorney-General.
“The Solicitor-General is the person which you are confusing, is the person who gives legal advice to the Government.
“The Attorney-General is a political officer who’s the first law officer of the land.” He said.
Mr Fordham than asked if legal advice was obtained from the Solicitor-General.
In the interview, Mr Albanese said he did not obtain legal advice from the Solicitor-General.
“No.” Mr Albanese said.
“We got advice from a range of High Court judges, former High Court judges are on the record, such as Justice French and others.” He said.
In the officially released transcript from the Prime Minister’s office, the word “no” was notably removed.
Instead, the transcript only stated that advice was sought by High Court judges.
Mr Fordham said the Prime Minister’s office was “caught rewriting history on his trainwreck interview”.
“Sadly, the Voice continues to go pear-shape for the Prime Minister.” Mr Fordham said.
“The PM’s office resorted to releasing a transcript with a crucial answer missing.
“Anthony Albanese never bothered to ask government lawyers for advice on the draft wording to the constitutional amendment.
“Mark Dreyfus is the Chief Legal adviser to the government.
“That is his job description on the Attorney-General’s website.
“Someone in the PM’s office has tampered with the truth by erasing an important fact that was unearthed yesterday…that “no” has been deleted.
“It’s gone.” He said.
A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office have drawn attention to a clause in which all transcripts are published under.
“All the Prime Minister’s transcripts are distributed clearly stating E & OE (errors and omissions excepted).” She said.
