ABC host Leigh Sales has been cleared of bias by the independent media watchdog for a controversial post-budget interview with Treasurer Joe Hockey that was queried by Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Sales began the 7.30 interview by asking "Is this what political retreat looks like?", before accusing Mr Hockey of "backflips", "hand-outs" and making "excuses". Conservative commentators such as News Corp's Andrew Bolt accused Sales of interrupting Mr Hockey 14 times and of being less aggressive in her post-budget interview with shadow treasurer Chris Bowen. News reports described the interview as "brutal", "bruising" and "acrimonious".

Mr Turnbull said the Hockey-Sales interview - and a post-budget interview by Lateline host Emma Alberici - were "very aggressive" and recommended journalists take a "more forensic" approach.

Now an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates broadcast media, has found Sales was fair in her treatment of Mr Hockey.