Q&A has 'lost the plot': Dutton

The ABC's Q&A has 'lost the plot' but Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says he may rejoin its panel after the appearance of a Muslim activist.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton. (AAP) Source: AAP

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says the ABC's Q&A program has "lost the plot" by allowing the controversial appearance of a Muslim activist on Monday night's show - but he won't rule out appearing again on the program's panel.

Zaky Mallah, who in 2003 was the first man in NSW charged under then new anti-terrorism laws, clashed with Parliamentary Secretary Steven Ciobo, saying the views of Mr Ciobo and other Liberals gave many Australian Muslims the justification to join Islamic State militants.

Mr Dutton told the ABC's 7.30 program that Mr Mallah's appearance was a safety risk for the audience and panellists.

"From my perspective, I enjoyed going on Q&A at one point but, frankly, I think in the last few months they've lost the plot, and to give a platform to this individual last night, I think, is quite disgraceful," he said.

Mr Dutton said he would consider returning to Q&A's panel but wanted to see "significant changes".

"It's a good format but, frankly, it's been hijacked in terms of the audience.

"I think the producers and the host (journalist Tony Jones) have a lot of questions to answer, and I think that's what the ABC board has pointed to today," Mr Dutton said.


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Source: AAP


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