Coalition MP Says He’ll Demand Triple J Drop Its Hottest 100 Decision

In a stunningly appropriate use of his time and parliamentary stature, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has indicated he will ask the ABC to reconsider Triple J’s decision not to hold the Hottest 100 countdown on Australia Day.

Fifield told ABC Radio “sometimes, as a minister, you slap your forehead and say to yourself, ‘What were these guys thinking?’

“This is just a really bad idea; it’s a dumb idea and Triple J should change their minds.”

The minister posited the move was designed as a ploy to “de-legitimise” Australia Day adding “there’s nothing controversial” about holding a national celebration on January 26 – despite the fact many Indigenous Australians see the occasion as a celebration of European invasion, and a day of mourning.

Despite Triple J holding a public vote to gauge public support for changing the date of the countdown – in which 60% of respondents voted for the change – Fifield said the nominally apolitical station “is in effect making a political statement.”

Fifield’s statement comes one day after it was revealed NBN Co. will be shelving the rollout of its much-maligned Hybrid Fibre Coaxial connections to thousands of households as it attempts to fix technical issues with existing connections.

Responding to his disbelieving take on Triple J’s stance, Shadow Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland issued a media release. In its entirety, it says:

“Mate – just fix your second-rate NBN.”

Unless something absolutely drastic happens, next year’s Hottest 100 will be held on Saturday, January 27. Fifield may just choose to dig into his The Clash, The Whitlams, and Bruce Springsteen records when that day rolls around.

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV