Malcolm Turnbull has locked horns with Alan Jones, accusing the broadcaster of doing Labor’s job by undermining the Abbott government with leadership speculation.
In a lengthy and fiery exchange, the federal communications minister has told the Sydney radio personality that he’s a “bomb thrower” who can dish it out but can’t take it.
Mr Jones kicked off the Thursday interview by telling Mr Turnbull to “say after me” that he supports the budget.
“Alan, I am not going to take dictation from you, I am a cabinet minister,” Mr Turnbull responded, but went on to say he “unreservedly” supported every element of the budget.
The pair then moved on to Liberal leadership speculation.
“You have no hope ever of being the leader, you have got to get that into your head,” Mr Jones said.
“No hope ever. But because of that you’re happy to chuck a few bombs around that might blow up Abbott a bit. That’s what they’re saying.”
But Mr Turnbull said that he and Prime Minister Tony Abbott were a team and he had been “distressed” that conservative commentators such as Mr Jones and Andrew Bolt had been suggesting otherwise.
“This is the most united and cohesive government we’ve had in this country for a long time and I think it’s just very sad that you and Bolt are doing the work of the Labor party in undermining the Abbott government,” he said.
“So we’re the bomb throwers?” replied Mr Jones.
“You are,” said Mr Turnbull.
Jones accused Mr Turnbull of having “a few sensitive nerves”.
“The problem with you, Alan, is that you like to dish it out but you don’t like to take it,” Mr Turnbull responded.
Treasurer Joe Hockey leapt to Mr Turnbull’s defence, saying he was doing his best to sell the budget message.
“Malcolm is putting in a huge effort as we all are in endeavouring to focus on the policies of the budget rather than the politics,” Mr Hockey told Sky News on Thursday.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he believed Mr Turnbull “doth protest too much”, and there was cleary division in the Liberal Party.
“But the issue of internal division within the Liberal Party is a matter for the Liberal Party. I more worried about what’s happening to ordinary Australian families.
“I don’t give a toss about the internals of the Liberal Party.”
IMAGE: Alan Jones, The outspoken 2GB breakfast host. (AAP Image/Warren Clarke)