Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I understand that the government will be opposing this motion—although if Senator Fifield wants to put us in the picture, that would be greatly appreciated. This motion effectively cements and acknowledges the role of the ABC as Australia's most trusted news and current affairs broadcaster. It is a well-loved and trusted national institution. The last time the coalition was in power, they cut funding for the ABC and put it on a starvation diet, including an 11 per cent cut in 1998 under Prime Minister John Howard. I, like many other Australians, was extremely disturbed to see the Prime Minister and senior members of the executive criticising the ABC and demanding it take a particular editorial line on the same day as announcing a so-called efficiency review, which we all know is code for 'cuts to funding'. On 6 September, Prime Minister Tony Abbott categorically said he would not cut funding to the ABC. I ask Senator Fifield, for the coalition, to underline this commitment before the Senate today. (Time expired)