Radio broadcaster Alan Jones has apologised to NSW chief scientist Mary O'Kane for suggesting the mining industry may have influenced her report into coal seam gas.
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On his breakfast program, Mr Jones took the opportunity to take back comments he made on the show last week that Professor O'Kane was warned about the possible health danger posed by the industry, adding "don't tell me the mining industry have got to the NSW chief scientist as well".
Professor O'Kane told Fairfax Media she was considering taking legal action against the talkback radio host, but after an interview on 2GB on Tuesday morning, it appears she is unlikely to go ahead.
Before an interview with Professor O'Kane about her report, the culmination of 19 months of investigations, Jones said he was sorry for inferring she showed bias and unprofessionalism in her report.
"Might I begin by saying that in an editorial comment last week, I made a very flippant remark that the industry may have unduly influenced your report, or I indeed think I said might have got at you," Jones said to Professor O'Kane.
"I have to apologise to you for that, because there was no intention to reflect on your integrity, rather my knowledge that the coal seam gas industry always seem to be seeking to influence every person that stands in their way.
"I have no doubt that hasn't happened to you, so my apologies for that."
Professor O'Kane appeared satisfied with Jones' apology, despite her initial belief a few days ago that the comments were defamatory.
"Oh, well thank you," Professor O'Kane said. "That's very gracious of you."
Professor Kane was unavailable for comment to confirm she was was no longer pursuing legal action.
As the interview continued, Jones asked her how she felt about headlines in The Australian published on October 1, suggesting she was giving the "green light" for coal seam gas.
"I was a bit startled by them," Professor O'Kane said. "All of that [the recommendations] needs to be taken into account and that's of course what we have said to government with a range of findings; 30 findings and 16 recommendations.
"There's an important array of issues to be considered here and I'm sure the government will consider them."
