Staffer to Liberal leader Angus Taylor loses it at Channel Ten political reporter in hot mic moment: ‘No wonder 10 Plus got cut’
A staffer for Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor was caught on a hot microphone berating a Network 10 political reporter after a press conference, accusing her of asking unfair questions. Media director Kane Silom confronted political editor Ashleigh Raper, calling her line of questioning a "fricking disgrace" after she pressed Taylor repeatedly about allegations being examined by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The incident highlights ongoing tension between Taylor's office and journalists over the corruption probe, which touches figures within his own party faction.
Raper had questioned Taylor about consulting agreements involving Catholic Schools NSW and firms linked to Liberal Party figures, which ICAC is investigating as possible disguised political donations, including alleged payments of $15,000 upfront and $3,000 monthly. Taylor repeatedly declined to give a "running commentary" but denied that he, his wife or his family had made payments to several individuals named in the inquiry. ICAC has not accused Taylor of wrongdoing and has not summoned him as a witness, though a number of those under scrutiny have ties to his Right faction of the NSW Liberal Party.
- Taylor's staffer caught on hot mic abusing a Ten reporter over ICAC questions
- Reporter had pressed Taylor on alleged disguised donations to the Liberal Party
- Taylor denies any payments were made by him or his family; not accused by ICAC
New here? Start with this
Angus Taylor is the leader of Australia’s Liberal Party, the main centre-right party in federal politics. The party is in opposition, meaning it is not currently running the national government but scrutinises the government and presents itself as an alternative.
Political reporters cover parties, leaders and policy decisions, often questioning politicians and their staff at press events. Exchanges between staff and journalists can become tense because staff seek to manage their side’s message while reporters work independently to gather information and challenge public figures.
Channel Ten is one of Australia’s major television networks, and 10 Plus is associated with its streaming services. A hot mic is a microphone that captures remarks made when someone may not realise they are being recorded or broadcast.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critics of the staffer can reasonably argue that attacking a journalist’s employer in a hot-mic moment is unprofessional and risks appearing to punish or intimidate scrutiny. Political staff hold influential roles and should model respect for an independent press, particularly when reporting is inconvenient. The comment may also undermine public confidence that journalists can question opposition figures without personal or commercial disparagement.
The case against
Defenders may argue that political staff work under intense pressure and are entitled to express frustration when they believe coverage is unfair, selective or insufficiently informed. A brief, off-the-cuff hot-mic remark is not necessarily evidence of an attempt to obstruct reporting or of the leader’s own attitude towards the journalist. With the available account lacking context, identity and responses from those involved, it would be premature to treat the exchange as proof of a broader hostility to media scrutiny.