Senate probe into ABC, SBS complaints process

Australia’s taxpayer-funded broadcasters will be subject to a Senate inquiry into their complaints handling processes.

NSW Liberal senator Andrew Bragg is chair of the Senate standing committee on environment and communications.

Australia’s taxpayer-funded broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, will be subject to a Senate inquiry into their respective complaints handling processes, following widespread concerns over the existing method of self-assessment of editorial content.

On Thursday, the Senate environment and communications legislation committee announced it would conduct an inquiry into the “complaints handling arrangements” of the two public broadcasters, with the committee to submit its report by the end of February.

“In particular, the committee will examine the adequacy of the existing arrangements to provide a framework that is accessible, responsive, efficient, accountable and fit-for-purpose,” read a statement posted to the Australian parliament’s website.

The launch of the Senate inquiry comes less than a month after the ABC ordered an independent review into its in-house complaints process, which has drawn criticism this year for failing to adequately address the editorial failings of various programs, including the Ghost Train: Exposed series (which suggested former NSW premier Neville Wran had ­engaged in corrupt activity), Juanita: A Family Mystery (a documentary on the disappearance of journalist Juanita Nielsen, which aired the testimony of a discredited source), and Four Corners.

The central flaw in the ABC’s existing in-house complaints process is the perception that the reviewers of complaints about the public broadcaster’s programs are often too close to the program-makers themselves.

Indeed, there have been several examples when complaints about programs have been ultimately referred to people directly involved with the program that is the subject of the complaint.

NSW Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, who is chair of the Senate standing committee on environment and communications, told The Australian on Thursday night: “I want the ABC to be its very best.

“The ABC hasn’t been handling complaints appropriately. That is clear from extensive community feedback. The Senate will now undertake a targeted, surgical review of their complaints-handling governance.”

A spokesperson for the ABC declined to comment.

A spokesperson for SBS said: “SBS has a very robust and effective complaints system including an independent Ombudsman, and no concerns have been raised about our processes.

“While we are surprised to be included in the inquiry, SBS will engage constructively and use it as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to accountability.”