MEDIA RELEASE - LIBERALS PURSUE ABC DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS

MEDIA RELEASE - LIBERALS PURSUE ABC DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS - 9 DECEMBER 2019

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

LIBERALS PURSUE ABC DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS

The number of ABC staff out the door as a result of Liberal budget cuts is set to soar above 1,000 according to reports today.

Since 2013, Liberal budget cuts have shown 800 ABC staff the door.

Scott Morrison’s latest cut of $83.7 million over three years kicked in on 1 July 2019 and has the ABC planning a further 200 sackings.

In a world disrupted by climate change, disinformation and digital media convergence, the ABC is being stretched to do more with less and Australians are missing out.

As bushfires burn, Australians rely on the ABC for emergency broadcasting - yet Scott Morrison cuts.

As public interest journalism declines, Australians need the ABC for trusted local, regional and national news - yet Scott Morrison cuts.

As video streaming giants drive up the cost of content production, the ABC is expected to commission distinctive Australian stories - yet Scott Morrison cuts.

When the Liberals and the Nationals cut the ABC, Australians miss out.

Already the ABC has made tough decisions not to pursue radio rights for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and to cut shortwave radio services.

The Prime Minister likes to be seen running water bottles onto sports fields, visiting our famers and talking ‘step up’ with Pacific neighbours, but what’s he’s really doing is stripping funding from a lifeline for national identity, culture, news and emergency broadcasting.

Scott Morrison won’t support the ABC, and he won’t support freedom of the press, freedom to protest or freedom of association.

In the last two weeks alone, this Government has shut down debate in Parliament on more than 30 occasions and abolished the Department of Communications and the Arts.

Now more than ever, Australia needs an independent public broadcaster committed to accuracy and impartiality.

Labor will defend the ABC because it belongs to all Australians and must not be silenced by a Government that treats democracy as an inconvenience.

Labor’s thoughts are with the ABC staff and their families affected by these cuts.

MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2019