Australian television presenter Karl Stefanovic gave the incumbent NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet a good grilling during yesterday morning’s Today show.


Karl Stefanovic, one of Today’s show hosts. Photo from Hit.com.au.

On the politician’s first-ever breakfast TV interview, he caught fire for his close-minded religious views, including being against abortion, and whether priests should be forced to report sex offenders. He was previously seen voting against abortion and mandatory reporting legislation.

The conversation centered around the recent ‘intense’ phone call the premier had with the prime minister, Scott Morrison. The talk show host was interested in how he was called a ‘something-wit’ by the PM.

"You also had a fiery phone call with the Prime Minister, which he admitted to this week on our program and by all accounts, he's called you a matter of things on conference calls,” Karl said to the premier with a rather droll smile. “He really does have a potty mouth the PM, doesn't he?"

Gladys Berejiklian's replacement unsuccessfully denied that the crude phone call happened. Instead, he steered the discussion by saying that those conversations are considered “private”.

"There's nothing wrong with having strong robust discussions, that's what you want in your leaders and I'm always going to fight for the people of New South Wales,” Perrottet echoed.

In his amusement, Karl then suggested that these “robust discussions” be aired for all to enjoy. “It sounds like fun.”


Karl and incumbent NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Today. Photo from Channel Nine.

The TV show host then proceeded to question him about his Catholic faith and policies, particularly his pro-life views. Perrottet was asked how he would prove to the women in New South Wales that he would protect their interests.

"I'm here to serve every single person in this state; man, woman, any religion, our multicultural background,” the politician responded that his faith is also a ‘private matter.'

"I don't believe someone's personal faith should be an impediment to serve as the premier of New South Wales."

This article is based on the article written by Gillian Wolski for Yahoo! Lifestyle.

 

[Capsam]

Karl S. thinks he is being a “hard-hitting” investigative journalist by asking the premier about his faith & implying that he will allow his faith to dictate policies in NSW. How can women wanting abortions, including to FULL TERM trust him! I will recognise Karl as a journalist when he starts to identify his leftist mates by their religion, non religion, gender status etc. number of children, values, infidelities etc! Karl was POLITICKING AS USUAL because Perrottet is a CONSERVATIVE!

 

[Itene]

Karl S. thinks he is being a “hard-hitting” investigative journalist by asking the premier about his faith & implying that he will allow his faith to dictate policies in NSW. How can women wanting abortions, including to FULL TERM trust him! I will recognise Karl as a journalist when he starts to identify his leftist mates by their religion, non religion, gender status etc. number of children, values, infidelities etc! Karl was POLITICKING AS USUAL because Perrottet is a CONSERVATIVE!

 

[Itene]

The Premier has one vote in Parliament as do the other pollies. When controversial matters come up a conscience vote is usually granted. A person’s religious or atheistic beliefs are his private business. This man is a good living family man & we need plenty of them. I am not a conservative voter usually.