Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) 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 29 March 2019:

The allegations of political interference in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), with particular reference to:

(a) the termination of ABC Managing Director, Ms Michelle Guthrie;

(b) the conduct of the Chair and the Board;

(c) the structure, composition and appointments of the ABC Board;

(d) the political influence or attempted influence of the Government over ABC editorial decision-making, including:

  (i) outcomes of the Competitive Neutrality of the National Broadcaster Inquiry and Efficiency Review - ABC and SBS, and

  (ii) the role of funding uncertainty in facilitating political influence;

(e) governance, legislative and funding options to strengthen the editorial independence and strength of the ABC to prosecute its charter obligations; and

(f) other related matters.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not oppose this motion. The government has always respected the independence of the ABC.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2 be agreed to.