Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

With regard to Senator Hanson-Young's amendment that is before the chair, Labor will not oppose this amendment. This amendment is to amend the BSA to fetter the discretion of a minister to conduct a review of the ABC or SBS, making the terms of reference subject to a disallowance, then requiring the minister to table a report or review 15 days after the completion of the review.

Labor understands the sentiment behind this amendment that's been circulated earlier this afternoon, but in the short time we have had to consider it, we understand there may be some practical implications and issues associated with it. On balance, Labor regards it as a transparency measure which may benefit our national broadcasters, particularly with a government like the Turnbull government, which clearly cannot be trusted with the ABC or the SBS.