The Albanese Government is encouraging Australians to have their say as part of a review of options to support the independence of Australia’s national broadcasters - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).
The review will examine options for delivering a greater level of financial stability and certainty to the national broadcasters, to safeguard against arbitrary funding cuts and political interference.
The Government has initiated the review as part of its commitment to better funded national broadcasters, which includes the restoration of $83.7 million in funding cuts to the ABC and implementation of five-year funding terms for ABC and SBS, which commenced on 1 July 2023.
The terms of reference for the review were developed in consultation with the ABC and SBS. The review will examine and make recommendations to:
- Support stable funding arrangements by identifying potential mechanisms to implement and maintain 5‑year funding terms at the amount announced by the government, while retaining the ability to provide additional funding during these terms; and
- support effective governance arrangements for the national broadcasters.
Issues which are out of scope for this review have also been published. The review will not consider:
- The quantum of funding, funding terms or funding models provided to the national broadcasters;
- Changes to advertising restrictions or limits on the ABC or SBS;
- Changes to the legislative Charters or corporate character of the national broadcasters; or
- Merging the ABC and SBS.
Operational matters the responsibility of the ABC and SBS are also out of scope.
Feedback from the public will help inform the recommendations, with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to provide its findings to government in the second half of 2023.
The Review of Public Sector Board Appointments Processes conducted by Ms Lynelle Briggs AO (Briggs Review) is distinct from this review. However, the department will engage with the Briggs Review, given the overlap in issues relating to government board appointments processes. To view the consultation paper (including the terms of reference) or to make a submission, please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/natbroadcastersreview.
Consultation will close on Thursday 31 August 2023 at 5:00pm AEST.
Quotes attributable to Libby Coker MP:
“Independent public broadcasters are a hallmark of a healthy democracy.
"The Albanese Government is committed to delivering better funding for the ABC and SBS, so they have greater certainty as they deliver on their Charters for the Australian people.
“This review is an opportunity for Australians to have their say on the funding and governance arrangements for the ABC and SBS, including measures to support stable funding terms and promote effective board appointments.
“The ABC and SBS are key democratic and cultural institutions that provide essential services for communities across the country. I encourage all Australians to share their thoughts on how to provide greater stability to support the independence of the national broadcasters.”
