Public intersest not served with phone-tapping information

I believe the actions of the ABC in releasing the information supplied by the American traitor Edward Snowden regarding the alleged phone tapping of Indonesian dignitaries by Australian intelligence agencies under the Rudd Government in 2009 is totally contemptible.

The powers that be at the ABC must have considered the ramifications of publishing such information and its probable disastrous effect upon our relationship with Indonesia and yet still decided to proceed.

The Indonesian Ambassador has been recalled, inter-government co-operation is at a standstill, the meat trade between the two countries has been placed in jeopardy, Indonesian military training in this country has been suspended and violent demonstrations against Australia have occurred in Jakarta.

The ABC's claim that the release of the information was in the public interest and that the freedom of the press (media) is paramount is, in this case, ridiculous.

The public's interest is certainly and demonstrably not served by the release of this information and a free press must always be aware of its responsibility to the community and the national good.

Given the history of some of the extremist groups within Indonesia (witness the Bali Bombings, Australian Embassy bombing and other terrorist events), I can only hope the reprehensible actions of our national broadcasting body does not ultimately result in the loss of innocent life.

Email, 27 Nov 2013

Vic Jefferies, St Huberts Island