Defending the ABC from the ALP 27th July 2001

The Editor

The Australian

27 August 2001

Frank Devine misrepresents the position of Friends of the ABC. For more than twenty years we have defended the independence of the ABC against political interference from all sides of politics.

In 1988 the Friends of the ABC protested loudly against Senator Gareth Evans' proposal that ABC activities be divided into two categories, charter and non-charter, with the latter to be funded by advertising.

In 1995 we joined with Senator Alston in condemning the back door

sponsorship deals in ABC TV under the David Hill regime.

In October 1985 the then President of the Friends of the ABC in New South Wales, Walter Bass, wrote in FABC¹s newsletter:

"The Corporation is under fire from a Labor administration which is proving

to be a greater threat to the ABC's independence than the Fraser government ever was".

In government, both Labor and the Coalition have abused the ABC¹s

independence by appointing their supporters to the ABC Board.

Mr Shier may be entitled to seek legal advice on the Four Corners program.

However, in the context of a heavily politicised Board, with a Chairman who publicly praises the Prime Minister, public doubt arises about Mr Shier¹s actions in seeking a third opinion.

The problem has been created by governments who have politicised the

ABC Board and management. What in other circumstances may have been

interpreted as excessive caution, in this case has been widely perceived

as an attempt by Mr Shier to protect political colleagues.

The public has lost confidence in the ABC Board. It must be replaced by a

new Board chosen in a manner which is transparent and ensures board members are appointed on the basis or merit and commitment to independent and comprehensive national public broadcasting.

Darce Cassidy

National Spokesperson