Karen Grogan (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We are not supporting this inquiry. We've seen four years, in my time, of ideological attacks against the ABC. In that time, I've seen so many of those opposite who seek to bring down the ABC and seek to insult the ABC. But today, upstairs, there's the ABC showcase. I wonder how many of those opposite have gone up there and taken advantage of the hospitality, taken a little tote bag with little goodies in it and had a great time engaging in all the great things that the ABC offers us and provides to the Australian people, before coming in here and playing an ideological game.

The kind of kneejerk attacks that I've seen—I spent three years chairing the estimates session that covers the ABC and watched that session grow to up to three hours of questioning at a time for the ABC. They should be accountable, open to questioning and open to having the people in this chamber making sure that what they are doing is appropriate and in line with what we expect. We've seen attack after attack proven to not be correct. There are occasions, of course, when complaints are made and they are upheld, and at every point the ABC is open and transparent about those things. There is a complaints process for a reason.

The ABC is a highly trusted source of news. They bring not only a balanced news service—which I know many of those opposite don't like because balanced news is maybe not their vibe, and they're much happier on 'Sky after dark'—but also amazing current affairs and documentaries about spectacular things in this country—critical things that people in this country want to hear about. They also bring us some of the most amazing drama across the world. They bring us fantastic children's content. This is where Bluey came from. Many of us in this chamber have had our photos taken hugging Bluey. Bluey has gone on to great things.