Anthony Albanese celebrates with ABC, but warns it must accept scrutiny
‘Accountability is a two-way street. However strong our affection for the ABC, it cannot be blind,’ says Anthony Albanese in a speech to celebrate its 90th birthday.
Anthony Albanese has used the ABC’s official 90th birthday dinner to launch a scathing criticism of the previous Coalition government’s stance on the broadcaster, pointing to a “toxic” past attitude towards the ABC driven by “fear”.
In a speech at the ABC’s Ultimo headquarters in front of an audience of 100 media, arts and political figures on Friday night, the Prime Minister said “a government that chooses to attack a public broadcaster does so motivated by either ideology or fear – or a toxic cocktail of the two”, adding: “No government should fear the ABC unless it fears the truth.”
However, the Prime Minister’s strong support for the ABC in his speech came with a caveat when he said: “Just as the government should welcome scrutiny from the ABC, so the ABC should welcome scrutiny from the government.
“Accountability is a two-way street. However strong our affection for the ABC, it cannot be blind,” he added.
“No organisation is infallible, and we can all freely admit that Aunty is no exception. National government and national broadcaster can both share the goals of transparency, accuracy, effectiveness, diversity, and value for money.
“When it comes to your money, which of course is from the taxpayers we all serve, the only condition that should be attached is accountability,” the Prime Minister said.
Despite this note of caution, Mr Albanese confirmed his government’s commitment to providing financial certainty to the ABC by extending the public broadcaster’s funding cycle from three years to five.
He also committed to examining further “options for delivering greater financial sustainability to safeguard against political interference” at the broadcaster.
The Prime Minister took another shot at the Morrison government over its failure to involve the ABC in its diplomatic efforts in the Pacific, given China’s increasing activity in the region.
Mr Albanese said the ABC had a strong capacity to help Australia to “share our voice” in the region.
“That was undervalued by the previous government, even trivialised. That was a mistake,” he said.
“If we don’t have our voice out there – if we cut programming or drop out of short-wave frequencies – others are only too ready to fill the gap.
“The ABC is a crucial part of our ongoing conversation with our regional neighbours.”
Mr Albanese reiterated his plan to give the ABC $8m a year to “boost Australian content and to project Australian identity, values and interests to the Indo-Pacific region”.
He said this represented a “prudent investment in our security and national interest”.
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