ABC should air anti-vaxxers: One Nation

As his party secures a new ABC media reform deal, One Nation senator Brian Burston says both sides of the anti-vaccination debate should be aired.

He might disagree with anti-vaxxers but One Nation senator Brian Burston thinks the ABC should give them equal airtime.

As his party nuts out a deal with the federal government over media ownership reforms, which will include new transparency measures for the public broadcaster, Senator Burston was talking up the need for balance.

Asked if media organisations should air both sides of the vaccination debate, he told Sky News on Wednesday: "Absolutely".

"I think any debate deserves equal weighting irrespective of the topic, within reason, I guess."

Senator Burston agreed the message of anti-vaccinations groups was a threat to public health and safety.

"I think they are entitled to their view and perspective as well and what they see as perhaps some immunisation of children not being appropriate," he said.

"I don't share that view but I think they're entitled to express that view."

Senator Burston cited Fox News of the US as a good example of a balanced broadcaster, which he said had left and right commentators appearing together.

However Health Minister Greg Hunt said anti-vaxxers spread dangerous myths.

"The tragic stories in our pro-vaccination campaign remind us that immunisation is safe and saves lives," he tweeted.

Senator Burston's comments also angered Labor health spokeswoman Catherine King.

"There is only one side. There is no debate. Vaccinations save lives - full stop," she tweeted.


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Source: AAP



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ABC should air anti-vaxxers: One Nation | SBS News