"I wonder whether he would say the same about ... Kerry O'Brien, or me at a different time. What he really means is they don't like being interviewed by them. Well, that means that they're probably doing their job." 7.30 host Leigh Sales grills Treasurer Joe Hockey about the government's second budget. Credit:ABC Negus said the style of interviewing was "part of the theatre" and said the government was blaming the media for its woes because it was "on the back foot". But he added: "Well done Malcolm for not raising bias." Bolt and Mr Turnbull have previously and publicly clashed over issues including climate change and the Liberal leadership. On Sunday, Bolt – a prominent critic of the ABC – accused Alberici and Sales of conducting biased interviews during Tuesday night's budget coverage.

Sales opened her post-budget interview with Treasurer Joe Hockey with the question: "Is this what political retreat looks like?" Lateline host, Emma Alberici. The Communications Minister described the encounters as "very aggressive interviews" but defended the journalists against the accusation of bias. "I would say as somebody who used to interview people as a living, both as a journalist and as a barrister and of course as a politician, I would say a more effective interviewing style is one that is less aggressive and more forensic," he added. "But that's in effect an editorial opinion," Mr Turnbull observed.

Mr Turnbull said the ABC is held to account and it gives politicians an "enormous amount of airtime" which enables MPs to put their case across, regardless of the question asked. The Minister noted that two conservatives, Amanda Vanstone and Tom Switzer, have been recently appointed to host programs but was immediately accused of running "ABC spin" by Bolt. Mr Turnbull stressed that as the Minister he has no powers to direct the ABC's editorial content but said he has been urging the ABC Board to be involved in programming decisions. Negus questioned why Mr Turnbull was appearing on the Bolt Report, describing it as "basically a 'free kick' program". An ABC spokesman defended Sales and Alberici.

"ABC presenters and journalists are subject to Editorial Policies which set by the board and are based on the highest standards," the spokesman said. Loading "The ABC investigates all complaints, undertakes program reviews and commissions independent audits to ensure these standards are met. This makes the ABC more rigorous and systematic than any other media outlet and is a significant reason why most Australians see the ABC as the most trusted news source." "We believe our broadcasters do a good job in meeting these high standards under the unique pressure of live interviews."