Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I think we all know that a commercial broadcaster will always do its best to reduce costs without affecting its investment in programming, particularly popular programming. On the other hand, the ABC's revenues are not a function of its ratings or performance, but of its ability to persuade the government of the day. The easiest way to cut costs is to cut programming, rather than to tackle out-of-date business and administrative practices. That is why this government commissioned the efficiency study—to assist the ABC in making the tough decisions which will save money by reducing waste. The purpose of the efficiency study is to assist the ABC in identifying inefficient administration, so that savings can be made without affecting programming.