Lapses by staff hang Tony out to dry

TONY Abbott shouldn't have to put up with the imputation that he treats the death of an Australian soldier lightly.

It's journalists accusing politicians of such things, implicit or otherwise, that stops the best and brightest from putting themselves and their families through a political career.

Nevertheless, the Opposition Leader's office let him down regarding the now-infamous exchange he had with the Seven Network's Mark Riley.

Although politicians are accountable for their actions, Riley's provocative questioning of Abbott succeeded only in eliciting the response that it did - an enraged silence that made for compelling viewing - because the Opposition Leader's office didn't do its job properly.

Abbott wasn't prepped for what he was walking into. His staff didn't adequately warn him of what was coming.

On the trip to Afghanistan late last year, Abbott was joined by his chief of staff, Peta Credlin, rather than seasoned press secretary Claire Kimball. Credlin started accompanying Abbott on his travels after the election, usurping Kimball, which The Australian understands contributed to her decision to resign.

Kimball would not have allowed Abbott to shoot weaponry with the troops, which he was criticised for doing.

And she would have been better prepared for attacks about Abbott's "shit happens" comments.

Once Abbott's office was provided with Riley's working notes (almost two hours before meeting with him), why didn't Credlin consider it important enough to accompany Abbott to the interview?

Instead, a junior press officer, Nicole Chant, was sent down to set up, and Abbott arrived with a senior media adviser, Andrew Hirst. New press secretary James Boyce, who started at the end of last week, also did not attend.

There is a lot of sympathy for what Abbott had to go through when confronted by Riley, as well there should be. But that doesn't excuse a lack of preparedness for the exchange.

Opposition leader is the hardest job in politics; Abbott doesn't need it to be made harder because his office isn't adequately looking after him.