Kristina Keneally hedges on Sky, Greens at start of trial

David Leyonhjelm’s defamation trial is canvassing some key questions.

Sarah Hanson-Young arrives at the Federal Court in Sydney. Picture: AAP.

Did the Greens senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, say that all men are rapists?

If so, is she a hypocrite for sleeping with them?

These are some of the key matters being canvassed on day one of former senator David Leyonhjelm’s defamation trial, in Sydney this morning.

Also, whether Sky News is right wing, like Fox News in America; and whether the Greens, by contrast, are on the left, at the centre, or very far left of the centre, of Australian political life.

Senator Hanson-Young is suing her one time colleague, the former Liberal Democratic Party Senator David Leyonhjelm, over statements he made not inside, but outside parliament, last June and July.

David Leyonhjelm arrives at the Federal Court in Sydney. Picture: AAP.

The first witness, who arrived shortly after 10am, is Senator Kristina Keneally, the former New South Wales premier, who has been quizzed about her role in both politics, and the media.

Mr Lleyonhjelm’s barrister, Tony Morris QC, asked Senator Keneally whether Sky News — where she once worked, and where some of Mr Lleyonhjelm’s remarks were broadcast — has a reputation for inclining toward the right (wing) side of politics.

“I thought this was a trial about Senator Hanson Young’s reputation not that of Sky News?” she replied.

Mr Morris said he was trying to explore the idea that the source of a media report matters to people, for example: “If it comes from the Guardian Australia … if it comes from The Australian, it may have a different impact than if it came from the Sydney Morning Herald or the Melbourne Age?”

He also wanted to know: “From your observation, Senator Keneally … would you agree with the proposition that Sarah Hanson Young and her party are on the Left side of politics?”

Senator Keneally replied: “I’m not an expert in Australian Greens policies.

Mr Leyonhjelm is expected to argue that it’s not really possible for one politician to defame another.

Sarah Hanson Young’s barrister, Kieran Smark SC, conceded that: “She was of course a public figure … and should expect to be the subject of public attention and discussion.”

But whatever might occur within the Senate itself: “We are not at liberty to make any attack that might feel like outside parliament,” he said.

David Leyonhjelm has quit the Senate, and this month failed to win seat in NSW upper house.

The hearing is continuing.