Yesterday afternoon, after Crikey had carried the story of my exclusion from the Liberal Party’s state council, I received a phone call from the Party’s Victorian state director, Julian Sheezel.

He told me that he had not been aware of what had happened, and he apologised for my treatment, which he attributed to an over-zealous official. He said that he recognised Crikey as a legitimate media outlet, and he promised that the Liberal Party would be open to internet media in the future.

Now I’ve been critical of Sheezel in the past, and probably will be again. But on this occasion I’m pleased to be able to say he’s done the right thing.

CRIKEY: We happily accept Julian’s apology on behalf of the Liberal Party, and as far as we’re concerned the matter ends there. Thanks to the subscribers who wrote to both us and the Vic Libs voicing their support.