Rejecting government interference in ABC editorial decisions

NOTICE OF MOTION
Senator Ludlam

I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that the Senate:

Notes:

1. The ABC is accountable to its Charter, its Board and the people of Australia;

2. Editors and journalists, not politicians, should make editorial decisions in a democracy that values a free press;

3. 80% of Australians surveyed believe the ABC is balanced and even-handed when reporting news and current affairs;

4. The ABC and SBS are vital public news, information, education and entertainment services for the benefit of citizens and audiences rather than advertisers and shareholders.

Rejects:

1. Complaints about the ABC unfairly competing with commercial media as vindictive and misconceived;

2. Government interference in the editorial decisions made by the ABC.

Calls on:

1. All parties to commit to maintaining the ABC as a well-funded public broadcaster with an independent board free from political interference.