Angus Taylor's senior adviser berates journalist off air - but is recorded

During a media conference yesterday, Opposition leader Angus Taylor was questioned by Channel 10 political editor Ashleigh Raper about evidence heard at a current inquiry held by NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption into illegal donations to the state Liberal Party.

Raper was trying to obtain further detail on Taylor's links to Dallas McInerney, who has been named in the hearings.

Taylor has always denied McInerney gave money to the Liberal party.

He insisted again on Thursday that no payment had been made, but avoided other questions on the matter, saying he was “not going to give a running commentary” on it.

He added, “I’ll let the commission do its work. No payment was made. I was clear about that from the start."

As Taylor walked away from the press, and it was presumed the session had ended, his senior adviser Kane Silom asked Raper, “Are your ratings that bad? Seriously, that's a fricken disgrace… He's answered them like 500 times, seriously."

“What? Asking questions about an ICAC inquiry?” Raper replied.

 "No wonder 10+ got cut," Silom retorted, referencing the current affairs program whose air time was recently reduced.

 

 

 

 

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It was a highly awkward moment that has made news headlines around Australia.

The hearings, which began in July, continue.