Vic: Derryn Hinch calls for resignation of ABA chairman

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2004
Vic: Derryn Hinch calls for resignation of ABA chairman

MELBOURNE, April 28 AAP - Veteran broadcaster Derryn Hinch has joined the growing chorus
calling for the resignation of Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) chairman David
Flint.

Hinch today said Professor Flint should resign from the ABA over a letter of support
he wrote to Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones ahead of the cash-for-comments inquiry.

Hinch also criticised Prof Flint for being convenor of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy.

"Prof Flint, after the letter that he sent to Alan Jones, should have resigned yesterday,"

the 3AW commentator told reporters.

"I think it's a disgrace.

"I think some of Flint's comments - even his involvement with the Australians for a
Constitutional Monarchy - the head of the ABA shouldn't have been involved.

"Two strikes and you're out."

Prof Flint's impartiality was brought into question this week after ABC television
uncovered a letter from him to Mr Jones written on ABA letterhead in 1999.

In the letter, Prof Flint praised Mr Jones' ability to capture and enunciate the opinions
of the majority on so many issues.

NSW Premier Bob Carr and opposition communications spokesman Lindsay Tanner have today
called on Prof Flint to stand down.

Hinch was speaking in Melbourne today at the launch of his autobiography The Fall and
Rise of Derryn Hinch - How I hit the Wall and Didn't Bleed.

The book was launched by former Liberal federal opposition leader and former Australian
ambassador to the United States, Andrew Peacock, who declined to comment on the Flint
affair.

AAP kw/gfr/tma/bwl

KEYWORD: FLINT HINCH (PIX AVAILABLE)

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