From a slightly different standpoint, I have been thinking the same thing.
You would have observed that the Barnaby story has been run by the conservative media. Daily Telegraph first, then The Australian. The others are playing catch up.
So why? Murdoch never does anything without a reason, and it's usually a reason to do with business. (E.g. years back when Rudd had a say in a $200 million contract for the Australia Network and hinted Murdoch may get a slice, notice how his coverage improved?)
Why is Barnaby in the bad books with Murdoch? Something to do with media ownership laws? Or is Murdoch realigning himself, as he does periodically? If so, with who?
