SBS language services are at risk of being cut because of Tony Abbott’s broken promise not to cut funding to the specialist broadcaster.

After promising on SBS news the night before the election “no cuts to the ABC or SBS,” Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull have ripped more than $50 million from the SBS.

Migrant communities around Australia rely on the specialist services offered by the SBS and any reduction in language services will be a blow to Australia’s diverse multicultural community.

Since its inception as a single multilingual platform, SBS has had a transformative effect on both the Australian media landscape and the broader community.

By developing a greater understanding of our cultural diversity, it has enhanced and broadened multiculturalism in Australia and, in turn, helped build bridges among all groups.

It is therefore disturbing that the Abbott Government thinks it can break its promise on SBS funding and raid the Budget of this already very efficient organisation.

As much as Malcom Turnbull tries to explain away Tony Abbott’s lies, Australia’s diverse communities know that the Minister and his Leader cannot be trusted on the SBS.

FRIDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2014