Outgoing ABC presenter Leigh Sales has revealed she has a “strange fondness” for all the prime ministers she’s interviewed over a 12-year career at the helm of 7.30 am.
Sales were last scheduled on June 30 at 7:30 am. Sales admitted to being impressed by the leaders she grilled during her tenure and revealed her true thoughts about each of the prime ministers she has interviewed in a written piece for Nine newspapers.
“There’s something about everyone who’s done that job that sticks to my heart,” Sales wrote.
Camera IconSales has revealed its true thoughts about a host of former PMs. NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi Credit: News Corp Australia
“It’s such a tough job. I don’t think people understand how hard it is when they’re not around. I have a lot of respect for everyone who does it.
“All five prime ministers during my 7.30-am tenure — six now with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese — came in regularly for interviews, and I respect them for that.”
Sales said Kevin Rudd found her “stunningly smart” and said she occasionally called the former Labor Prime Minister for foreign policy insights.
“I always hang up the phone and say, ‘Wow, he connected those dots brilliantly.’ His latest book on China is excellent,” said Sales.
The television host respected Tony Abbott’s zeal in fiery debates and also acknowledged his kindness to her crew.
“You can have a challenging, robust conversation with Tony, and he argues his angle well, and he’s never thin about it,” Sales said.
Camera IconSales was always impressed by Tony Abbott’s manners. Jos Home. Credit: News Corp Australia
“He always greeted and thanked the studio crew — some of the guys never even acknowledge them.”
Sales describe Julia Gillard as a “sweet, warm person” and says Malcolm Turnbull is a “larger-than-life figure”.
Turnbull’s successor, Scott Morrison, has been interviewed more by Sales than any politician in federal parliament, she revealed, debunking the myth that he didn’t like showing up on the program.
She said she was looking forward to catching up with Mr. Morrison “when the dust settles”.
Sales remember Bob Hawke as a “legend” and say talking to Paul Keating was “one of the great privileges” of her life.
She also regularly called John Howard to discuss issues from a liberal perspective, writing that he remains “as sharp as ever”.
Sales are fond of Howard and Keating, despite Australians generally liking one and despising the other.
“It’s not your job as a journalist to agree or disagree with them,” she said. “That’s for the public.
“Your job is to report people’s positions honestly and accurately.”