Labor senator Kristina Keneally blames sexism after scolding criticism of Today show interview
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Kristina Keneally has denied “shouting and screaming” at a young Today Show producer, pointing to ‘sexism’ in a response from Channel 9 over the heated phone call.
Confidential
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Shadow Home Affairs Minister Kristina Keneally has blamed sexism in denying claims that she berated a Today show producer last month.
The Labor senator was accused of poor behaviour by Channel 9’s Today show, with The Australian quoting a source as saying that Keneally unleashed on the junior staffer “in something between a shout and a scream” during an unsolicited phone call over a segment with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Labor deputy leader Richard Marles.
Keneally was reportedly upset over Today co-host Allison Langdon’s failure to question Dutton about an ABC report claiming an Australian Border Force official permitted nearly 3000 Ruby Princess passengers to disembark after mistaking negative flu tests for COVID-19 results.
The former NSW premier denied raising her voice during the phone call.
“Do they really describe a woman’s behaviour as ‘shouting and screaming?” Keneally asked The Australian.
“Well, that’s quite a gendered take. I’ve been in politics and media for almost 20 years, and while I know how to have a direct conversation, I don’t raise my voice in a work setting.”
A Channel 9 source described Keneally’s behaviour as “disappointing”.
The Daily Telegraph has contacted Keneally and Channel 9 for further comment.
An @AusBorderForce official mistook common flu tests for COVID-19 tests for cruise ship passengers aboard the #RubyPrincess, allowing 3,000 people to disembark despite hundreds of them having #COVID19Aus. #abc730 @andrewprobyn #auspol pic.twitter.com/ESyi9nDZoL
— abc730 (@abc730) July 31, 2020