A former MP takes on a routine lobbying role, a Chinese university is named, and suddenly we are in national security territory. This is framing doing the work that facts do not.

The Canberra Times has delivered a remarkable feat with its recent report: “_Former Liberal MP lobbying for Chinese university with 'deep links' to People's Liberation Army_” turning a routine post political lobbying gig into the opening act of a national security thriller.

Former Liberal MP Pat Farmer, we’re solemnly informed, is working with a Chinese university that has “deep links” to the PLA. Within three paragraphs, he’s gone from marathon runner to potential Bond villain — albeit one whose alleged plot involves offshore campuses and education policy.

And then, in the fine print, came the ultimate punchline: “there is no suggestion” he’s done anything wrong.

What a useful disclaimer, once readers have already been escorted to the edge of panic.

The article rounds off by listing other former politicians who’ve worked with Chinese-linked firms — Robb, Downer, Brumby — but singles out Farmer as “one of the few advising directly for Chinese government-owned entities.” That’s basically the same thing: all Chinese public universities are state-owned. But it sounds alarming enough to stand.

What makes this specimen of journalism so instructive is the........

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