ABC portrays whites as racists, Indigenous as victims, says Jacinta Price

Senator Jacinta Price has slammed the ABC for a “pattern” of stereotyping “white Australians as racists and Indigenous Australians as victims” in a fiery Senate hearing.

Senator Jacinta Price has slammed the ABC for a “pattern” of stereotyping “white Australians as racists (and) Indigenous Australians as victims” in a fiery Senate hearing Tuesday.

In an exchange with ABC Managing Director David Anderson, Ms Price demanded an explanation for how a controversial report which went to air on ABC Radio and suggested a town hall meeting in Alice Springs was a hotbed of “white supremacy” could have gone to air.

“It perpetuates a stereotype of white Australians which seems to be acceptable in Australia in this day and age (but) it is unacceptable in a community like Yuendumu (or) Alice Springs where we have all come together to attempt to solve very difficult problems.”

Mr Anderson admitted that “the story should have been picked up” before it went to air.

“I’ve asked the director of news to investigate and let me know what happened with regard to that,” he said.

Ms Price added that she was deeply concerned with the stereotypes that seem to be promoted on the ABC.

Senator Jacinta Price has slammed the ABC for a “pattern” of stereotyping “white Australians as racists (and) Indigenous Australians as victims”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“It seems there is a pattern of this sort of behaviour (where) stereotypes exist across the board, including attempts to portray white Australians as racists and of course Indigenous Australians as victims.”

“They are all stereotypes.”

“In November, Patricia Karvelas (interviewed) Noel Pearson who presented his views on myself being described as being trapped in a redneck celebrity vortex.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“At no point did Miss Karvelas attempt to intervene or challenge Mr Pearson’s views but accepted them wholeheartedly.

“I think it is utterly disgraceful that this sort of ongoing behaviour is allowed to continue that does perpetuate stereotypes and doesn't’ allow for just representation of our communities but instead just plays off the race card.”

In the hearing Mr Anderson also admitted that a reporter who aired a controversial report which suggested t town hall meeting in Alice Springs was a hotbed of “white supremacy” did not actually attend the meeting in question.