Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As colleagues would know, the ABC has legislated independence with regard to programming decisions and the ABC board has ultimate responsibility for these matters. However, I have written to the chair of the ABC to ask that the board reconsider and reverse this decision. It will be a matter for the ABC board to determine, but the government's view is that they ought to recognise the overwhelming view of Australians on this issue. As I've said, the Hottest 100 is the soundtrack of Australia Day. It's a popular and recognised feature of Australia Day. Australia Day is 26 January. It will remain so, and the ABC should recognise and respect that fact.

Senator Cameron interjecting—