Page 2997 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 15 August 2018
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suffered as a result of these cuts as well. In 2018 we see Fox Sports and other channels covering these leagues. They are no longer available on free to air, which is a real shame for local sport. It is an unfortunate but direct consequence of the significant cuts continually being made to the ABC by the federal Liberal government.
Earlier this year there was significant concern that the ABC could lose radio broadcasting rights to the cricket, a service the ABC has provided to Australians for 80 years. Here in the ACT the ABC provides a vital service, particularly the Chief Minister’s talkback every Friday morning, something I am sure chief ministers present and past enjoy or enjoyed immensely.
Budget constraints have an adverse effect on the ability of the ABC to hold on to quality talent and provide good programming. Since 2017, 200 jobs have been lost across the ABC. Canberra has lost its dedicated rural reporter, and in 2014 three dedicated Canberra reporters lost their jobs. That is to say nothing of the recent loss of the much-loved Genevieve Jacobs. There are real and noticeable impacts on the quality of our public broadcaster, and we need to continue to fight to protect our ABC.
The broader national debate we see on ABC funding demonstrates the fundamental difference in values between the Liberal and Labor parties. As a Labor member I strongly believe in properly funding our public broadcasters to provide all Australians with quality independent broadcasting. We strongly believe we should continue to produce quality local content for Canberrans to view, listen to and enjoy. We believe we should ensure the ABC has the resources needed to provide in-depth, independent, factual analysis on current events, free of political or commercial influence.
The ABC is one of our most trusted institutions. According to the ABC’s 2017 annual report, 80 per cent of Australians trust the ABC; 78 per cent believe the ABC does a good job of being distinctively Australian; and 74 per cent believe the ABC does a good job of being balanced and even-handed. Specifically, according to polling from the Australia Institute, the ABC is our most trusted television station, with 68 per cent of people agreeing that the ABC is even more important now in the era of social media and fake news.
Some 70 per cent of people believe a strong, independent ABC is critical to a healthy democracy; 58 per cent are opposed to the idea of cutting ABC funding; and even 52 per cent of Liberal voters believe the ABC needs a long-term funding boost. I suspect the positive view of the ABC from Liberal voters is not reflected in its party membership.
It is clear that Australians care about our ABC. You really have to think who are the people in this country and this territory who oppose all that the ABC does for Australian culture, for democracy and entertainment? Who are that minority 20 per cent of people? The answer is the Canberra Liberals. The Canberra Liberals have questions to answer. Do they support the privatisation of the ABC? Do they support further cuts to the ABC?
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