ABC’s independent inquiry into its complaints unit will hear from the public

The ABC will allow members of the public to submit any grievances they have with the way the public broadcaster handles complaints.

ABC chair Ita Buttrose has accused the Morrison government of ‘political interference’ after it set up an independent inquiry into its complaints-handling unit.

The independent review commissioned by the ABC into its complaints department will soon open up to members of the public, allowing them to submit any grievances they might have with the public broadcaster.

The review, which was announced on November 14, but not yet been open for public submissions, will in the coming days invite feedback from the wider community.

This comes just days after the Senate rejected a separate, government-backed inquiry into the complaints-handling processes at the ABC and SBS.

Last month, when the ABC ­announced the terms of reference of the external, independent ­inquiry there were no pathways yet open for the public to lodge submissions.

The ABC-commissioned inquiry will be conducted by former commonwealth and NSW ombudsman John McMillan and former SBS news and current affairs director Jim Carroll.

Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, who is the head of the committee on environment and communications, was leading the charge to hold a separate Senate inquiry ­because he said it would “identify any flaws in the complaints process and improve them so that these channels are operating at the highest possible standard for the public”.

But Senator Bragg said allowing public submissions to the ­independent inquiry still wasn’t sufficient, after the government-backed probe was suspended in the Senate on Tuesday.

Its suspension came after many complaints had already been received from members of the public.

“I have no doubt we have improved the ABC’s review through public pressure, but it remains inferior,” Senator Bragg said. “Ultimately the design of the ABC’s review is a matter for the ABC. I am considering my options.”

The ABC declined to comment. The ABC’s complaints unit has been under fire in the past year after failing to address editorial problems with programs including the Ghost Train: Exposed series (which suggested NSW premier Neville Wran had engaged in corrupt activity); Juanita: A Family Mystery, (which aired allegations from a discredited source); and several episodes of Four Corners.