An “inappropriate” comment by Tony Eastley, compere of ABC radio’s morning current affairs program AM, has been excised from the transcript and tape on the ABC website.
Eastley’s interview with the Immigration Minister, Senator Amanda Vanstone, concerned the circumstances surrounding the deportation of an Australian citizen, Vivian Alvarez Solon, to the Philippines.
Eastley made a reference to Vivian Alvarez Solon being “dropped off” by Australian immigration officials. He interposed the remark, “the car was still moving perhaps”.
Vanstone seized on the remark and castigated Eastley.