Correction by Sky News Australia — James Stevens

Statement from the Office of the 26th Prime Minister of Australia

Sky News Australia has corrected false statements broadcast against Dr Rudd during an interview with James Stevens MP.

On March 3, Mr Stevens alleged on the Credlin program that Dr Rudd had commissioned a $45,000 musical composition using taxpayer funds. In fact, Dr Rudd had no role in the commission, and no taxpayer funds were incurred.

These facts were made clear to Mr Stevens by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade prior to broadcast and had been widely reported in the media. Yet he proceeded to make accusations that were known to be false.

Following a letter of complaint from our office to the Sky News Australia Legal Department, the broadcaster issued the following correction:

On 3 March 2025 Sky News reported that James Stevens MP uncovered the fact that Ambassador Rudd commissioned a $45,000 musical work to celebrate the opening of the new embassy in Washington. In fact, the musical work was commissioned by Ambassador Sinodinos and was covered by sponsorship funds.

In the interest of transparency, we have released the letter of complaint sent by our office to Sky News on 27 March. No further comment will be made at this time.