Further to your letter....

The ABC's hose down department sent this fairly bland reply to my complaint about the incessant patting of Helen Caldicott in last week's Difference of Opinion (here)

Dear Mr Clark

Thank you for your email regarding the episode of Difference of Opinion broadcast on 19 July.

I am sorry you considered that the conduct of Dr Ziggy Switkowski and Michael Angwin during this episode was sexist, in terms of occasions when they physically touched their fellow panel member Dr Helen Caldicott, seated between them. I can assure you, it was not the intention of the program makers or the ABC to endorse sexist behaviour in broadcasting the conduct to which you refer.

Please be assured, your comments have been noted and conveyed to the producers of Difference of Opinion so they are aware of your concerns regarding the conduct of Dr Switkowski and Mr Angwin. Thank you for bringing this matter to the ABC's attention. I have attached a link to the ABC's Code of Practice for your information: http://abc.net.au/corp/pubs/documents/codeprac07.pdf

Yours sincerely etc.etc................