The Federal Opposition has asked whether a University of Canberra journalism professor, appointed to help lead an independent inquiry into Australia's print and online media, has links to the Greens.
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In September, former journalist and now academic Matthew Ricketson was commissioned along with former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein to review media regulation and produce a report by the end of February.
The media inquiry arose out of concerns related to the British News of the World phone hacking scandal.
During Senate question time yesterday, Liberal senator Ian Macdonald asked Communications Minister Stephen Conroy whether Greens leader Bob Brown or any Greens politician had lobbied for Dr Ricketson's appointment.
Senator Conroy denied this was the case.
Senator Brown has been a vocal critic of the reportage of some News Limited publications.
Senator Macdonald asked if Senator Conroy had sought assurances or disclosures from Dr Ricketson about the extent of any contact with the Greens Party before and after his appointment.
Senator Conroy told parliament Dr Ricketson and a group of academics and journalists had written a letter about policy issues to himself, Senator Brown and ''a whole range of people''. Senator Conroy said he was aware of Dr Ricketson's views.
''In fact one of the reasons one might choose someone to examine these issues is because they have some experience and training and knowledge in these areas,'' he said.
Senator Macdonald asked whether the minister had discussed independent journalism start-ups receiving tax deductibility status with Senator Brown.
Senator Conroy said he had not discussed the issue paper with Dr Ricketson, Mr Finkelstein or Senator Brown.
Senator Brown also indicated he had not discussed the issues paper with the inquiry heads. Dr Ricketson declined to comment last night.
