Ex-Abbott staffer Peta Credlin joins Sky News as a contributor throughout 2016 election

Sky News has this morning announced that Tony Abbott’s former chief of staff Peta Credlin will join the 24 hour news channel as a contributor ahead of the 2016 Federal election.

Credlin was a key player in the Abbott government and had a much higher media profile than previous prime ministerial chiefs of staff.

Angelos Frangopoulos, CEO Australian News Channel said in a statement: “Peta is a central figure on the Australian political landscape and we are delighted to welcome her to the Sky News team. Her experience navigating the mechanics of government from the position of both leadership and opposition will provide unmatched political insight during our election programming.”

Credlin has 16 years experience working in federal politics including as an adviser, senior adviser and chief of staff to a number of Howard Government cabinet ministers. She also the central focus of the recent political analysis by journalist Niki Saava, Road to Ruin, which blamed Credlin for much of the dysfunction of the Abbott government.

“To say a lot has happened since the Coalition was elected in September 2013 would be an understatement,” said Credlin. “The Prime Minister has set up a challenge for the Senate which could deliver a lengthy double-dissolution campaign.

“There’s no doubt if this happens that the campaign will be a test of endurance in policy, political and funding terms for all parties, and in particular, Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.”

Sky News has been ramping up its coverage offering in recent months hiring journalist Patricia Karavelas to host her own Sunday night program and giving controversial News Corp columnist Andrew Bolt his own political commentary show on weeknights.

Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

topics election Sky News Tony Abbott

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Comments: 5

Coke Monster 31 Mar 16

Hopefully she will be as aggressive as she’s made out to be – would make the coverage worth watching

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Groucho 31 Mar 16

……..and in a probably unrelated story the security guards have been let go.

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David 31 Mar 16

Change of name to Fox News Australia follows directly

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Steven 31 Mar 16

Yawn.

Credlin is old news.

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Rottweiler 4 Apr 16

At least she wears the same lipstick as me.

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