Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Labor supports this motion and stands with Aussie fans who are understandably unhappy over the botched World Cup coverage. The blame lies at the feet of Malcom Turnbull who, as communications minister, ignored warnings that funding cuts would threaten the ability to fully cover future World Cups. SBS managing director, Michael Ebeid, last week told radio: 'At the end of the day, it comes down to finances. We have had about $40 million in reductions in our government funding.' Minister for Communications, Senator Fifield, last week suggested the solution was further commercialisation of SBS through increased advertising. Fans want more football not ads. Labor welcomes the cooperation of Optus and SBS to get games into homes, clubs and other venues. Prime Minister Turnbull and Minister Fifield still refuse to admit their cuts have consequences and to apologise to all Australian football fans. They need to guarantee their elitist out-of-touch government won't cut further funding from the SBS or ABC.