Tim Storer (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

The ABC is the nation's premier cultural institution and the prism through which we view ourselves, the nation and the world. It's the most trusted media organisation in the country. It is the taxpayers' broadcaster. Minister Fifield noted the troublesome last several weeks, and I would extend that certainly to this year in terms of the reports that have come out on the pressure being put on the ABC to take action with regard to journalists' reporting of the government and its activities. I share with many South Australians and Australians generally a deep concern regarding these reports, and we would welcome very much a Senate inquiry into these matters, as well as the reports of the other inquiries occurring both within the government and externally.

Certainly the events of the last several weeks and the comments made by ministers, the Prime Minister and Minister Fifield point very much to the urgency of the parliament to act to enhance the transparency and independence of the process of appointing ABC directors. This will have both a real and a perceived effect. This is why I certainly welcome that the minister has noted that the position of chairman and managing director would not be filled permanently unless new legislative arrangements are in place. That's my point of view. I would welcome that and seek that.

I will be looking to amend the ABC Act to provide more value and credibility of the independent nominations panel that will then be tasked with the appointment process for ABC board directors. It would provide more explanation by the government publicly and in good time if it intends to ignore the recommendations of that panel. The minister or, in the case of the chairman, the Prime Minister will be required to consult with the opposition regarding finalisation of appointment and, if they disagree, we would have a further Senate inquiry into this matter. These are not radical but modest proposed changes to the ABC Act that would provide far more credibility as to the recommendations of the independent nominations panel and the appointment of the ABC directors, which of course then choose the managing director.

I'm very much interested in exploring increasing parliamentary guarantees for future funding of both the ABC and SBS. They have been under considerable pressure and funding for the next triennium is always hanging over them. I would seek to have an independent public review every three years to align with the regular triennial funding.

These ideas are a multistage process to ensure the independence, transparency and integrity of the ABC, which is our pre-eminent cultural institution. This of course, as seen by many people in the comments in the last months and years, is of significant concern with regard to the public broadcasting role that it has. I look forward to further discussion and the support of other senators in regard to this.

Question agreed to.