Federal Election: Bankstown pitches credentials to host SBS as Labor proposes relocation move for broadcaster

Labor’s proposal to move the SBS from Artarmon to western Sydney if it wins the May 18 Federal Election, has put Bankstown in the spotlight, with local Mayor Khal Asfour saying it makes a lot of sense to host it.

Michelle Rowland speaks about the proposed move at Paul Keating Reserve, Bankstown, flanked by Watson MP Tony Burke, Blaxland MP Jason Clare, Mayor Khal Asfour, Chris Gambian, Labor candidate for Banks, Christopher Brown, Chairman, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue and Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University.

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LABOR’S proposal to move the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) from Artarmon to western Sydney if it wins the May 18 Federal Election, has put Bankstown in the spotlight, with local Mayor Khal Asfour saying it makes sense, due to its multiculture.

Labor said on Monday it will commission a feasibility study into the relocation of SBS to western Sydney, alongside the provision of a multi-purpose space for content creation and public use.

Opposition Communications spokewoman Michelle Rowland promised to relocate SBS to western Sydney, if the ALP wins Saturday’s election, during her visit to Bankstown. The move was welcomed by Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue chairman Christopher Brown, who said Bankstown could be an ideal host.

Mayor Khal Afsour speaks about Bankstown’s potential to host the SBS complex, watched by Jason Clare, Labor candidate for Banks Chris Gambian, and Greenway MP Michelle Rowland.

Coincidentally, Labor announced their major proposal at Paul Keating Reserve, Bankstown. When he was Prime Minister, Paul Keating opened the SBS building in Artarmon over 25 years ago to help SBS by moving it closer to other TV networks, bringing radio and TV under the one roof for a complete service.

Labor said it respects the independence of the SBS and will work with the SBS to progress this in a consultative manner.

Cr Asfour said the move will be a good fit for Bankstown, following a commitment for a new $1.3 billion Bankstown Hospital an Western Sydney University proposing to construct a new 7,000-student campus in the CBD.

“Relocating SBS to CBCity would mean it has a new home in the heart of multicultural Sydney which is more directly aligned with its Charter,” Cr Asfour said.

“Our residents are global citizens with global family, business and personal links to the whole world.

Christopher Brown, Chairman, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue with Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University, at the announcement.

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue chairman Christopher Brown said he had put the suggestion to Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, when he visited Revesby late last year.

“The Dialogue has been campaigning for this move for nearly five years, and we’re certainly pleased that the Federal Opposition is taking a lead on this,” Mr Brown said.

“There is no doubt that SBS, the nation’s multicultural broadcaster, should be based in multicultural Western Sydney, not mono-cultural Artarmon. It’s a no-brainer.”

“Places like Bankstown for instance, which is home to a large pool of arts and creative young talent and is centrally located.

“With the Western Sydney University Bankstown CBD Campus on the way over the next couple of years, I think there’s some potential to create a shared site, with both tertiary, production-training and broadcasting functionality.”

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“Their stories are truly representative of SBS.

“Canterbury-Bankstown is one of the most multi-cultural cities in Australia.

“Our city thrives on diversity, harmony and respect of each other’s different cultures.”

“We are working with significant partners to help support the growing needs of not only our City but south-west Sydney.”

The council said it is estimated that the project, if it goes ahead, would create around 400 construction jobs and generate $85 million for the local economy, and a further $100 million a year ongoing.

Labor said the feasibility study is in addition to their previous commitments that a Shorten Labor Government will:

■ Provide $20 million to the SBS for Australian content

■ Provide $2 million to the SBS to upgrade systems to provide audio description for blind and low vision Australians