Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator O'Neill, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 March 2019:

Government interference in the independence and integrity of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), with particular reference to:

(a) the operation of Parts II, III and IIIA of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, in relation to:

  (i) the duties of the Board and Managing Director, and

  (ii) appointments, terminations and resignations of persons under these parts;

(b) performance of the ABC Board under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, in relation to general duties of officials;

(c) implications of political influence for governance at the ABC, including via:

  (i) board appointments,

  (ii) funding decisions,

  (iii) policy and legislative proposals,

  (iv) reviews and inquiries, and

  (v) content complaints, queries and requests;

(d) safeguarding and promoting the independence and integrity of the ABC; and

(e) any related matters.

Question agreed to.