Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today because I am greatly concerned about recent reports in the media that the ABC is preparing to axe its state based editions of 7.30, which run on Friday nights, and replace them with a national news chat show. It is believed that the potential changes are in response to the Abbott government's ABC budget cuts. As we know, 7.30 is enjoyed by thousands and thousands of Australians and thousands of Canberrans every week, and some are concerned that there will be a reduction in local news and current affairs.

I am concerned about a loss in great local journalism and television, not only here in Canberra but around the country. I am also concerned about potential job losses. There are eight state and territory editions of 7.30 around Australia, and talk of axing this program is creating stress and uncertainty for the journalists and producers, who do a fine job of producing this program each week. State and territory editions of 7.30 provide the only long-form full hour or half-hour of local news and stories once a week. Here in the ACT we are blessed with the much-loved Chris Kimball, who is produced by the highly respected Patricia Barraclough and a highly professional team. He is also supported by Adrienne Francis, who is also a great journalist.

7.30 ACT has covered territory stories told by territorians for years. Its Mr Fluffy story got an audience of 41,000 viewers. I urge the Abbott government to protect— (Time expired)