Letter to Alston criticising Labor 7 July 2001

Senator Richard Alston

Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts

Parliament House

Canberra

Dear Senator Alston,

In a media release dated 20 June 2001 you referred to a report in the newsletter of the Friends of the ABC in the ACT to the effect that Senator Bob McMullan, in discussion with a delegation from Friends of the ABC, had argued for "a much more direct involvement of the Government/Minister in identifying areas of dedicated funding".

You suggested in your media release that given Mr McMullan's seniority in the Labor Party, his views must represent Labor policy.  You also invited Friends of the ABC to give "an almighty thumbs down to Labor's plans tie any additional funding for the ABC to specific outcomes."

The purpose of this letter is first, to restate our long standing opposition to tied funding for the ABC, and second to inform you of our request to the Leader of the Opposition that he clarify Labor's position on this issue.

The Friends of the ABC are opposed to any  funding made in a manner which seeks to direct the ABC’s activities,  or to tie any funding for the ABC to specific outcomes. We confirm that we will give "an almighty thumbs down" to any such proposal, from any individual or any party.

Our discussions with Labor's  communications spokesman, Mr Stephen Smith, have led us to believe that Labor is opposed to tied funding for the ABC.  Mr Smith's public statements have reinforced that belief.  Mr. McMullan's statements have therefore concerned us, and caused us to write to the Leader of the Opposition requesting him to clarify Labor's position.

In our letter to Mr Beazley we have noted the apparent differences between Mr Smith and Mr McMullan, and have written: "Mr. McMullan's apparent advocacy of tied funding for the ABC concerns us.  We do not believe tied funding is consistent with the programming independence of the ABC.  We would be grateful if you could confirm that an ALP government  would not introduce any form of tied funding for the ABC."

Yours sincerely,

Darce Cassidy

National Spokesperson, Friends of the ABC