James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government opposes this motion. The coalition is committed to budget repair and the ABC, like all government agencies, has been asked to contribute to this effort. The ABC and SBS efficiency study demonstrated that the national broadcasters could realise significant savings without impacting on their programming or services. The ABC has previously confirmed that the decision to close its portfolio of leased stores was in no way related to the government's efficiency savings. The ABC has further advised that there has been no reduction in ABC commissions of children's content. The ABC has also confirmed that its regional services have been quarantined from any efficiencies or savings.