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 by James Stevens MP.
On March 3, Mr Stevens alleged on the Credlin program that Dr Rudd had commissioned a $45,000 musical composition with 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 prior to the broadcast, and were readily available to Sky News.
Following correspondence between our office and the Sky News Legal Department, the broadcaster has now issued the below correction.
No further comment will be made at this time.
Embassy spending – Correction, 3 April 2025
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.