Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 October 2011:

The decision by the television management of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to significantly cut the number and amount of ABC-produced programs, jobs (including through forced redundancies) and potentially affect resources, as announced on 2 August 2011, with particular reference to:

  (a)   the implications of this decision on the ABC's ability to create, produce and own its television content, particularly in the capital cities of Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart;

  (b)   the implications of this decision on Australian film and television production in general and potential impact on quality and diversity of programs;

  (c)   whether a reduction in ABC-produced programs is contrary to the aims of the National Regional Program Initiative;

  (d)   the implications of these cuts on content ownership and intellectual property;

  (e)   the impact of the ABC's decision to end internal production of Bananas in Pyjamas and to outsource the making of a 'Bananas in Pyjamas' animation series to Southern Star Endemol Proprietary Limited; and

  (f)   the future potential implications of these cuts on ABC television's capacity to broadcast state league football and rugby; and

  (g)   any other related matters.

Question agreed to.