The Guardian Australia has defended its election coverage after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton urged supporters to ignore coverage from the Guardian and the ABC, labelling them “hate media.”
The comments were made at a campaign rally on Sunday.
Dutton told the crowd: “Forget about what you have been told by the ABC, in the Guardian and the other hate media. Listen to what you hear on the doors, listen to what people say on the pre-polling, know in your hearts we are a better future for our country.”
He added that the Coalition would stand up for values important to “families and small businesses,” urging the audience to stay committed in the final days before the 3 May poll.
Peter Dutton greets the Liberal Party faithful
The publication’s editor, Lenore Taylor, responded in a statement, emailed to readers of The Guardianm saying: “I stand by The Guardian Australia’s reporting of the election. We have covered the campaign, informed our readers about the policies on offer, and held all parties and candidates to account.”
An ABC spokesperson, meanwhile, declined to comment.
Labor’s communications minister, Michelle Rowland, also weighed in, posting on X: “Around the world, free and independent media is under attack from politicians afraid of scrutiny. The last thing Australia needs is for B to import those dangerous ideas here.”
Around the world, free and independent media is under attack from politicians afraid of scrutiny.
The last thing Australia needs is for Peter Dutton to import those dangerous ideas here.
— Michelle Rowland (@MRowlandMP) April 27, 2025
While Dutton’s remarks could be seen as a rhetorical flourish in the heat of an election campaign, The Guardian Australia pointed out that attacks on independent media have historically had serious consequences abroad, referencing the politicisation of the press under Donald Trump in the United States.
‘That’s not hate, it’s our job’
The publication reiterated that its role is to scrutinise all policies and parties equally, citing recent reporting that highlighted gaps in Dutton’s climate and energy policies, immigration plans, and public sector job proposals.
“That’s not hate. It’s our job,” the publication stated, reaffirming its commitment to providing independent journalism.
The clash between political figures and media outlets comes at a time when trust in news sources and the relationship between politicians and the press are increasingly in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, the Coalition has not ruled out ABC funding cuts if elected. In April, it avoided confirming whether the national broadcaster would be included in a plan to downsize the public service by 41,000 workers.