PM knew about journalist bugging for 10 years

The Channel Seven journalist bugged by police as part of the controversial operation Mascot complained to now-Prime Minister Tony Abbott about the way he was treated, and received the PM's support.

Steve Barrett was revealed as the subject of 52 warrants covering listening devices during the testimony of Ombudsman Bruce Barbour at the NSW upper house inquiry into the Ombudsman's Operation Prospect revealed.

Mr Barrett wrote to Tony Abbott in his capacity as Mr Barrett's local member in 2004, when he discovered that his phone had been bugged, because telephone intercepts are a matter of Federal Law.

Mr Abbott personally replied to Mr Barrett, according to an article he wrote about the experience for the Sun Herald.

"I'm shocked that any Australian police force could get away with tapping a journalist's phone (unless that journo is suspected of a crime)," Mr Abbott wrote. [I am] a little surprised that this issue has not been run hard and big by the State Opposition and the media."

Ninemsn have contacted the Prime Minister's office to find out whether Mr Abbott took any further action after his reply to Mr Barrett, but did not receive a response by deadline.

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