Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that, under the leadership of Chair Ms Ita Buttrose, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has risen to the number 1 online news source for Australians and is the most trusted media organisation in Australia;

(b) condemns the personal attacks and bullying levelled at Ms Buttrose by members of the Liberal Party; and

(c) calls on the Morrison Government to reiterate their support for Ms Buttrose as ABC Chair.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) 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.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government recognises the importance of the ABC. Further, the government recognises that the ABC has content and operational independence which is enshrined in legislation. To support the ABC, the government provides more than $1 billion in funding to the ABC, which increases each year over the current triennium. The government appointed Ms Buttrose as chair of the ABC and continues to support her in that role. The government recognises the importance of the ABC serving all Australians and welcomes the recent decision from the ABC to move up to 300 staff to Parramatta in line with our advocacy.

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

The question is motion 1134, moved by Senator Hanson-Young, be agreed to.