Recent comments regarding the current legal fight between movie studios and iiNet in which Stephen Carter, the Communications Minister said that iiNet’s defence “belongs in a Yes Minister episode” has been met with claims that he is being potentially prejudicial.

Senator Conroy openly ridiculed iiNet in front of a group of key figures in industry during a recent CommsDay telecommunications conference.

The comments made by Senator Conroy have been interpreted as revenge for iiNet dropping out of the internet censorship trials held by the Federal Government by a number of industry commentators. The government had been criticized by iiNet who said that it could not “reconcile participation in the trial with our corporate social responsibility” due to the fact that it was constantly changing its policy.

Senator Conroy’s conduct was called “grossly improper” and he was accused of expressing a partisan view with regards to potential evidence in iiNet’s defence during a joint attack by George Brandis, the shadow attorney general and Nick Minchin, the opposition communications spokesman.The comments could potentially “prejudice a matter before the Federal Court” they said.

As no defence or evidence had been filed by the telco yet on key aspects of the case, Herbert Geer, iiNet’s lawyers, said that they were “particularly surprised” by the comments made by Senator Conroy.

Partner Graham Phillips said “We hope that all parties will allow the legal process to run its course. We’ll do our talking in court and allow iiNet’s defence to be judged by the judiciary.”

Senator Conroy said in response to these criticisms “Senator Minchin needs to get a sense of humor or, more importantly, a broadband policy.”

Seven Network and seven major movie studios are currently suing iiNet in the Federal Court with allegations that it allowed its users to download TV shows and pirated movies, in a landmark case the have far-reaching implications for internet users and ISPs alike. October is the date that has been set for the formal hearing of the case.

Senator Conroy said “I saw iiNet’s defence in court under oath … they had no idea their customers were downloading illegally music or movies. Stunning defence, stunning defence .I thought a defence in terms of ‘we had no idea’ … belongs in a Yes Minister episode.”