Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to join with my colleagues who have spoken about the disastrous announcement today that the ABC will cut more than 400 jobs. This government promised not to cut the ABC but instead we have seen that promise dashed and we have got a $254 million cut over the next five years. We have heard today that it is anticipated that 400 people will lose their jobs, but South Australia and indeed Adelaide will be affected more disproportionately than other states and territories. According to estimates, 150 jobs in South Australia are now at risk. South Australia and indeed the Adelaide TV production facility has a proud record of producing some great shows, including the South Australian edition of 7.30, Poh's Kitchen, the award winning show Dream Build, The Cook and the Chef, and many others. These cuts will mean a loss to local content and skills. We have seen the member for Sturt, who sat in the cabinet room and ticked off this massive cut and ticked off this cut to jobs, launch a petition—you cannot get more hypocritical than that. I think the people of South Australia are much too smart to be pulled in by this blatant attempt at cynical politics.