Media Statement - 2nd February 2006
The release of the ABC's budget submission should be the start of a
public debate about the level of funding required to ensure that the
ABC is a world class public broadcaster.
For ten years the Howard government has starved the ABC of adequate funding in a bid to cripple its independence.
In real terms, the ABC has $51 million less to make programs than in 1996.
As a consequence the ABC's ability to meet its charter obligations has
come under threat. Local drama production has hit record lows.
In October, the Minister asked KPMG to review the adequacy of the ABC's funding.
Senator Coonan should immediately release the KPMG report so that there
can be an informed public debate on the ABC's funding requirements.
Taxpayers have paid tens of thousands of dollars for this consultancy. They are entitled to see its results.
The release of the report will also provide a concrete benchmark that
can be used to assess the Government's response to the ABC's submission
in the May budget.
If the Minister fails to release the report, Australians are has entitled ask what she has got to hide.
Is the Government intending to further cut program to funding?
The Government should end its ideological obsession with crushing the
ABC and restore its ability to the deliver the high quality news,
current affairs and entertainment that Australians expect.