THREAD: It really is past time to expose the hidden threats or 'consequences' driving the Government's protection of Craig Kelly.

This seems to be one of those times that the press gallery knows more than it is letting on.

Why else would everyone be reporting the different attempts by the protection racquet without reporting the reasons why he is being protected? The general public is left puzzled why this oaf is getting away with clearly dangerous behaviour.

Is it still an attempt to avoid the Streisand Effect? If so, Kelly's Facebook reach makes that excuse a nonsense.

Is it an attempt to give the preselectors in Kelly's electorate some 'clear air' to get the numbers to defeat him? If so, that should be reported (even if inconvenient).

Has Kelly threatened to go to the crossbench? If so, good riddance. He's not going to win the next election from there - and the Government can woo a few of the other crossbenchers if Labor won't support it on certain measures.

Or have the rabid trogs of the Qld LNP (+Barnaby) threatened to walk if Kelly is reprimanded / leaves. Then let them go - and give up their extra salaries & perks for being committee chairman and the like. And let's see how they fair at the next election if they vote with Labor.

Or perhaps its the Murdoch machine that has threatened to smash the Government on free speech grounds? If so, it should be exposed.

On past form, I have no doubt at least a few of these are in play. But is no-one reporting it? I'm not a journo, I don't have the contacts. But press gallery journalists do...