Ministers in Australia Network scrutiny

Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy will be required to front to the Australian government solicitor as part of the investigation into the $223m Australia Network tender.

The investigation follows a formal complaint from SKY News, which is competing to operate Australia Network.

Martin Ferguson will also have to explain a phone call from ABC’s managing director Mark Scott in June. SKY complained that Scott had unfairly lobbied the minister.

SKY also cried foul over a speech Scott delivered in June in spite of rules that prohibit the bidders speaking out on the tender.

The ABC has been asked to explain Scott’s action.

Source: The Age