Protect the ABC

Recently my office was presented with a petition calling on the Australian Government to keep our public broadcasters fully-funded. I fully support this sentiment.

On election eve last year, Prime Minister Tony Abbott made a promise to Australia that there’d be no cuts to the ABC or SBS under a government he led.

The ABC and SBS provide real stories, great educational programs, good dramas and uniquely Australian comedy shows.

There has been a great deal of support for the public broadcasters since the 2013 Federal election, with May 7 seeing simultaneous petition deliveries around the country. Over 60 petition deliveries took place in regional towns and cities across every state and territory, including in the electorates of key budget decision-makers, Communications Minister Turnbull, Treasurer Hockey and Prime Minister Abbott.

What this demonstrates is the significant level of support in the community for the public broadcasters that the Government would be wise to heed.