No publicly funded entity is above the scrutiny of the Senate and there should be no special set of arrangements for one entity over any of the others. The Australian government recognises the importance of the ABC. Its broadcasting services contribute to a sense of national identity, inform and entertain audiences, and reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community. The independence of the ABC is enshrined in legislation. Parliament has guaranteed this independence so that the ABC's decisions are free of political interference. However, as a publicly funded entity the ABC is not above the scrutiny of how it conducts itself using taxpayers' money.