UpdateSeptember 2020 Vol 28, No. 3 Quarterly Newsletter

ABC Friends A Call to Action! ABC Must Be Included in October “Jobs and Recovery” Budget

It is simply misleading for the Minister provide financial incentives for both private Margaret Reynolds for Communications, Paul Fletcher to and public sectors to help Australians ABC Friends maintain his ‘no cuts to the ABC” rhetoric recover economically. National President especially when that particular slogan was But will this national strategy include the so discredited by former Prime Minister ABC ? Is the Federal Government capable Tony Abbott. of meeting its responsibilities to Australian It’s time for ABC Friends to demand that The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison is public broadcasting? Has it read the the October “Jobs and Recovery” Budget obviously committed to jobs growth as interim report of the Royal Commission includes financial support for the National employment has been devastated by the Broadcaster, which has provided essential six months lockdown, so this budget will continued on page 3. health and wellbeing support during the last six months of the pandemic. Rupert Murdoch has already received his $10 million grant from COVID 19 funds so obviously the ABC qualifies for its share of pandemic funding to restore some jobs and continue strengthening vital information and educational services to the Australian public. In recent months, the Federal Government has been in denial about the extent of financial cutbacks and resulting 1250 job loss for the national broadcaster, so now it has the opportunity to restore public confidence by recognising the ABC in the October Budget.

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 1 Update Publication Information From the Editor Update is published three times a year by ABC Friends National Inc. PO Box 3620 Manuka ACT 2603 Print Post approved: PP245059/00002. ABC – An Essential Service working in the 1970s on Lateline, a regular Extracts from newspapers and other voice on Radio National, and founder of publications appearing in Update do The Exodus has Begun the ground-breaking program Coming not necessarily reflect the views of the Out. She was a mentor for many women members of ABC Friends. Sophie McNeill, Elizabeth Jackson, who have become household names on Update is distributed to all members of Eleanor Hall, Michaela Boland, Zoe Daniel, ABC radio and television. Liz would be ABC Friends as part of the membership Dominique Schwartz, Karen Percy, Sascha devastated to see the current exodus. fee. Update is also supplied to Rundle, Sharon O’Neill, Sheryle Bagwell, journalists, politicians and libraries across Australia. Kellie Riordan – the dismal roll-call goes Eden-Monaro By-Election Update is edited and produced in on – highly experienced, highly valued Sydney and contributions are welcome ABC staff, essential to the credibility of The by-election on 4 July resulted in the from state and regional branches. Email our publicly-owned broadcaster, are being narrowest of victories for Kristy McBain, your contribution (in Microsoft Word) to shown the door, often without a “Good a strong supporter of the ABC, in this [email protected] or famously swinging seat. As mayor of Bega post to address below Bye,” a handshake, let alone a “Thank Kristy was acutely aware of the ABC’s Material may be quoted or reproduced you for your years of service to the ABC.” from Update provided the source is Latest figures confirm that 86 journalists vital and lifesaving role in last summer’s acknowledged and reproduction is sent in the ABC News Division are being made devastating bushfires on the South Coast. to the Editor at the above email or postal redundant, along with at least 120 other ACT Region Branch of ABC Friends ran address. staff. The damage to the ABC’s ability to a very strong campaign to ensure that Would you like to receive bring accurate, up-to-date reporting to all adequate funding for the ABC was front Update newsletter Australians will be enormous. and centre as an election issue. We sincerely thank ABC Friends from outside electronically? It seems that the last 7.45am radio news the electorate who travelled to Eden- Save the planet’s trees and ABC Friends’ bulletin will be heard on Sunday 20 Monaro to work with the local branch on printing and postage costs and read September. From that day, ABC Mornings Update on your tablet or computer. When election day. Update is published, you will receive an will change to a single presenter doing email with a link to the latest issue (each the entire shift solo. Good-bye local news, Call to Action newsletter is a 2-3MB PDF). good-bye value-adding quality. All because You can try this now by going to the current government will not provide the National President Margaret Reynolds www.abcfriends.org.au, click on ABC with sufficient funds to continue to has issued another stirring challenge with ‘News’, then ‘National Newsletter’. serve the Australian community as it has her Call to Action, asking that we contact Who to write… for the past 90 years, and in keeping with our local Federal politicians with the very clear message that enough is enough, and Anyone seeking basic information its Charter. This same government that about writing to persons of influence can find millions of dollars to hand out to the very survival of the ABC is at stake, might find it helpful to go to commercial media like News Ltd and Fox. particularly if there are further cuts to the www.abcfriends.org.au, click on ABC in the forthcoming October budget. ‘Get Involved’, then ‘Take Action’ where In this Update we pay tribute to Liz you will find helpful addresses and ideas. Fell, who passed away recently. Her Reports in these pages from states and determination to establish broadcasting as branches make it clear that COVID 19 Update Editor - Mal Hewitt a viable and rewarding career for women need not prevent us from getting the PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 eased the path for those listed above. Liz message out to all Australians that the [email protected] was a pioneer in a field dominated by men, ABC is a national treasure, but will not Production Manager - Angela Williamson [email protected] Assistant Editor - Dr Diana Wyndham Cartoonist - Phil Somerville Phil currently runs an online topical cartoon by paid subscription called Line of Thought. Enquire at phil.somerville@ somervillecartoons.com Layout Artist - Paul Martens [email protected]

Cartoonist Matt Gosling

2 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 survive further reductions in funding. We country, and removed career options applaud the initiatives being taken – Zoom in radio and television from countless conferencing, webinars, social media of talented young Australians. It has been Inside all types are being well used to spread a process which predates the current the word. I commend the report from the government, and the ABC has suffered at Update Northern Suburbs of Sydney Branch, the hands of both major parties, but it has A Letter... 4 whose patch includes the seat of Bradfield, accelerated dramatically under the Abbott/ currently occupied by Communications Turnbull/Morrison governments, with more Interim Report Royal Commission Minister Fletcher, who is being made very than 1200 jobs gone since 2014. The ABC into Natural National Disaster Arrangements 4 aware of the activities of ABC Friends in building in Perth is a stark symbol of this his electorate. process of attrition – once vibrant with life, ABC Friends (Vic) Slogan activity and creativity, now standing empty Competition 5 What Has Been Lost and lifeless. ABC - An Acrostic Poem 5

Update has printed a letter to the West ABC Friends say “No more cuts!” The Somerville Cartoon 5 Australian from Ian Parmenter, a name ABC is a priceless asset to the whole that will be familiar to older ABC devotees, Australian community, and is recognized Quentin Dempster Castigates Political Cuts to ABC 6 reminding us all of the extraordinary output as such by the vast majority of Australians. of the ABC Perth studios in former days, Government must be made to listen to AGMs 6 the voice of the people, who say “Stop shows which were conceived, created and The ABC’s six strategic priorities produced by the ABC team in Perth – you destroying our ABC!” |for the next five years 7 may recall Consuming Passions, Talking My sincere thanks to all who have Letters 8 Pictures, many children’s programs – and contributed to this edition of Update, but were taken up enthusiastically by the other especially my incredible production team: Open Letter to, Managing Director ABC and Chair ABC Board 10 states. The relentless march of time and Diana Wyndham, Angela Williamson and budget cuts has stripped each state of the Paul Martens. Response from David Anderson 11 staff and funding, therefore the capacity to produce programs for use across the Mal Hewitt OAM Emma Alberici and ABC finalise ABC Friends details of their long and messy divorce 12

What will happen without a free press? 12

If wars of the future are about influence... 13 Clearly the influence of the Institute of ABC Friends Trust ABC Friends, we know the A Call to Action! Public Affairs is running rampant within real facts 14 the Minister’s office and at the Cabinet ABC Budget ‘Cuts’, or ‘No Cuts’, continued from page 1. table where we know a significant Who is Right? 15 number of his ministerial colleagues acknowledging that the ABC is the trusted share membership of this anti ABC think A curse on art, a curse on broadcaster that should assist delivery of society: Government contempt tank. for the ABC, the arts, and the critical information to help save lives ? Moderate Liberals and some National academy 16 Recent decisions by the Minister Party members are disturbed by the As uneasy as ABC 17 for Communications, Paul Fletcher way the minister is undermining the demonstrate his preference for commercial ABC. Recently ABC correspondence Freedom of Speech in Australia Today 18 media with generous grants to overseas to the Minister detailing a proposed companies News Ltd and Foxtel. enhancement of regional services was Jackie Deacon, ABC Friend Queensland 20 Government funding for Pacific media not even answered nor discussed with and the Queensland film industry has also his National party colleagues whose Farewell Colin Mason 20 benefited the private sector. Indeed, the constituencies so rely on the ABC. Department of Communications has a A personal appeal for the ABC 21 So, my friends it is up to you to convince “Director of Media Incentives”, presumably Casey Briggs 22 the Prime Minister and his colleagues to oversee the way taxpayers’ funds can that they are undermining the confidence be diverted from public broadcasting to the The case against Dan Oakes 23 of many of their traditional supporters by private sector. State News 24 targeting the ABC. The ABC is valued This re allocation shift in media across the political spectrum because NSW Branch News 29 funding has not been debated in the Australians rely on this essential service. Australian Parliament nor has the The diversity of our members We expect and demand a fair go for the from across our wide brown land 31 Federal Government made any public country’s voice. announcement that it is intent on Liz Fell 31 enhancing private media companies at the Phone your local Government expense of the national public broadcaster. Member or Senator today!

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 3 “BAPH States” (Brisbane, Adelaide, This employee had the privilege of working Perth, Hobart) were regarded by Sydney as a floor manager on the former, and head office as Aunty’s poor relations. It director/producer of the latter, which was was almost impossible to get a Perth made in association with the WA Health production onto the national schedules Department. and, when some of our products did When making Consuming Passions make it - and were successful - they were (1992 - 2001), which I called a five-minute soon snapped up either by Melbourne or cookery Playschool for grown-ups, viewers Sydney. who wanted recipes sent to them were I was privileged to have produced the first requested to send a self-addressed national series made in WA, MANTECA, envelope to ABCTV Box 9994 “in your a 10-part jazz series featuring the band capital city”, so that they wouldn’t realise of that name and special guests. It was the shows came out of WA. taped before live audiences at the WA After the show won the Grand Prix at an Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). international TV competition in France, I The band still exists today. approached my ABC masters in Sydney A Letter... When we started the music series Rock with the idea for a half-hour food show, Arena - hosted by Peter Holland, as a Tasting Australia, along the lines of grown-ups’ Countdown and produced in Gardening Australia. I was asked by head This letter by Ian Parmenter Perth on a shoestring - it didn’t take long office, “Who would watch a half-hour of OAM of Margaret River in WA for it to be snared by the ABC’s Melbourne cooking?” was published in The West Entertainment Department. After a few The national shows made here, some of Australian on 1 August 2020. years, it morphed into Rage. which have been shown internationally, Similarly, the ABC’s first national movie have included The World Swimming show, Talking Pictures, was made in Championships, coverage of the America’s s a lapsed journalist/TV producer/ Perth, hosted by Geraldine Mellet, before Cup, Leeuwin Estate Concerts, and the director/presenter who has had 40 being grabbed by Sydney where it was Hopman Cup, to name a few. This will A years of professional experience presented by John Hinde until it became never happen again. with the ABC, Simon Collins’ The sound The Movie Show with David Stratton and Worse, many of the most significant of Aussie music returns (30/7) strongly Margaret Pomerantz. programs relevant to West Australians resonated. Meanwhile, the studios in Perth were were never archived. Gone forever. [Ed: Simon Collins wrote an extensive constantly busy with productions, Meanwhile, the very expensively built ABC article in ‘The West Australian’ about the especially for children, Here in the West East Perth building is a virtual mausoleum. ABC’s new music show The Sound.] and Flashez being two examples. Indeed, At least the music lives on in some real Even in early black and white days with two of the first cookery shows in Australia shows, such as ABCTV’s The Sound. ABCTV - prior to 1975, when colour were Two for the Pot and Fats and Ian Parmenter, OAM transmission began here, the so-called Figures, both out of the Perth studios. Margaret River, WA.

community radio, is acknowledged as Interim Report Royal Commission into a trusted broadcaster of emergency Natural National Disaster Arrangements messages and warnings. It is a role that the ABC has fulfilled over 1 Sept 2020 many years and in which it has an recommendations. The interim report established reputation. ABC managers Sue Pinnock states that the 2019-2020 bushfires and are embedded in some but not all President, the conditions leading up to them were emergency centres. To assist with the ABC Friends SA/NT unprecedented and that they are no longer timely delivery of critical information to unprecedented. the public, we see a need for all state and territory emergency response uring COVID-19, the Royal In our submission, ABC Friends National organisations to consistently embed Commission has continued to argued for a National Emergency ABC managers within state and territory analyse extensive evidence from Communication Plan, incorporating ABC D emergency management centres”. more than 290 witnesses, over 50,000 Emergency Broadcasting expertise. This pages of tendered documents and would provide a key element to improving In response to COVID-19 priorities, the more than 1,700 public submissions. response, resilience and adaptation to reporting date has been extended until An interim report has been released changing climatic conditions. The interim 28 October with a final hearing block but it contains observations not draft report states that “the ABC, along with scheduled to start on 21 September.

4 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 ABC Friends (Vic) Slogan Competition: Why is the ABC important? ABC -

ictoria held an online competition in Second prize: An July and August asking people to Australia’s heartbeat - the ABC design a slogan (of 8 words or less), V Winner: Marcus Ross Acrostic in response to the question, “Why is the ABC important?” More than 300 entries Prize: $100 book voucher plus one year’s were received and we faced the difficult free membership of ABC Friends Poem challenge of short-listing to ten slogans. It Third prize: was difficult because the overall quality of ABC - our station entries was excellent. The 10 short-listed Your lives, your issues, your ABC Brilliant broadcaster slogans were uploaded to the website and Winner: Jill Bam forth members then voted for their favourite. Communication for everyone Prize: One year’s free membership of ABC More than four hundred members voted to Documentaries = education Friends plus one t-shirt determine the winners, which were: Entertainment These slogans will be used on various First prize: ABC Friends promotional material over Friends of the ABC The ABC for truth - not profit the coming years. We loved the fact Gardening Australia that so many people engaged with this Winner: Hours of programs competition. It was a great activity to do Barry Clarke during lock down in Melbourne whilst Interesting shows Prize: $150 book people were housebound and reliant on Journalists give excellent news voucher plus $100 the ABC for news, COVID-19 updates coverage restaurant voucher and entertainment. Kids love Play School Listen to the News Music Shows News 24 Online + iview Programs are varied Quietly achieves the best outcome for the audience Reliable - gives the facts Trust that the ABC stays for Aussies Station - Channel 2 in Sydney Trust the ABC Unique presenters Variety of genre Watching every day and each evening X factor = trust Your station - the ABC Zero commercials - YAY !!

By Penny Love-Lipinski - ABC Friend, NSoS Branch

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 5 Quentin Dempster Castigates Political Cuts to ABC he list of experienced T journalists, this time under cover Federal Cabinet and the portfolio Minister. producers and operational of COVID-19 austerity Coming in to government in 2013 after staff leaving the ABC, measures, will continue. the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd years, the Abbott forced by the LNP’s I call this “the LNP’s LNP coalition had formally promised there defunding, is distressing defunding” to call a would be no cuts to the ABC or SBS. and destructive. About 86 spade a spade and ABC Friends are entitled, on the facts, to from ABC News so far. not necessarily to be continue to expose the duplicity towards Redundancies may go partisan. the ABC, now an Australian media industry beyond 200 under the Ita Because these leader in online news following the 2019 Buttrose Board’s so called budget cuts, from devastating bushfires and the COVID 19 five year restructuring of the broadcaster. Joe Hockey’s 2014 budget and Scott pandemic. Trust and exhaustive hard And it now looks like the ABC will be Morrison’s 2017 budget, are demonstrably work to build national cohesion through further defunded in the October federal political and ideological in a media which these national emergencies is not going budget. is now consolidated with the merger of to be acknowledged or rewarded. This The ABC has applied for secure five to Nine Entertainment and Fairfax and the is a tragedy for Australia when we need ten year funding but intelligence from continuing dominance of News Corp. all hands on deck at the ABC to inform, Canberra indicates there will be no respite. The defunding decisions were made by educate and entertain through the The government’s hostility to the ABC, the Expenditure Review Committee of the dreadful challenges ahead.

ABC Friends WA ABC Friends TAS AGM Sunday 18 October AGM We are up North this year. Greg Barns will be our guest speaker and lunch will be catered. More details, including RSVP, to follow soon. Where: Sunday 25 October The Boathouse Centre, 55A Lindsay Street, 1:30pm Invermay, Launceston.

By Zoom (RSVP essential - link to be provided) and in ABC Friends NSW&ACT AGM person at the following address: 6th Floor CSA House, Saturday 24 October 2pm 445 Hay Street East, Perth. In-person attendance also requires an RSVP because of COVID restrictions (a phone Zoom only (link to be sent to emailable members). number for bookings will be posted to members who are No guest speaker this year not online). Following formalities, the meeting will feature ‘A Conversation with Kerry O’Brien’ ABC Friends SA/NT AGM (left) who needs no introduction. He will be Sunday 18 October 2 pm having a conversation with Mignon Shardlow, Zoom only (link to be sent to emailable members). whom some of you will remember from last No guest speaker this year. year’s Forum on Press Freedom. Mignon has worked in newsrooms overseas and in Western Australia and is Senior Lecturer ABC Friends Vic in Communications and Media and discipline Thursday 26 November 5.30pm co-ordinator of journalism at Notre Dame Probably not an in-person event! University. Refreshments will be provided at the venue.

6 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 The ABC’s six strategic priorities for the next five years

It provides a decision-making framework 3. Strengthen local connections Sue Pinnock based on five pillars and identifies six 4. Prioritise quality over quantity President, strategic priorities where the ABC will ABC Friends SA/NT focus its efforts. 5. Invest in the workforce of the future Within the framework of its five pillars, the 6. Be creative, flexible, efficient, and he government’s Efficiency Review, ABC will focus on six strategic priorities accountable released to the ABC in June 2020, to address the changes the ABC needs It remains to be seen whether the ABC’s found that the national broadcasters T to make and the areas where it needs to workforce, which will now decrease further had cut just about all the fat they could, focus its efforts and resources. The six by about 250 staff, will be able to achieve so would now have to trim staff and output priorities are to: those plans. if budgets did not increase and would find it difficult to expand further into new 1. Deliver personalised digital Read more at: www.radioinfo.com.au/ platforms without more money. With these experiences news/efficiency-change-and-pain-abc- factors in mind the ABC has set out a 2. Remain Australia’s best and staff-prepare-walk-out-door strategy that articulates the purpose and most trusted source of news and vision for the ABC over the next five years. information

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 7 Letters to the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the West Australian Prime Minister Morrison, Minister Fletcher, this is what the people think about the ABC

Withdrawal of government funding has fewer. The ABC has a unique network handed institutions such as the ABC are already marginalised institutions like the in place that could be utilised at short labelled “socialist”. As a result, the global CSIRO, the ABC, the Australia Council for notice. This is a critical time for all breakdown in the democratic process the Arts and their associated cultural and Australians, particularly those struggling which is engulfing the world is threatening research programs. Now impoverished due to COVID-19. Let’s promote a broader to infect Australia. universities are expected to focus on the community voice. We don’t want a “Robo” Bruce Spence, Balmain development of skills as their primary ABC. purpose. We need a skilled workforce David Goldstein, Balgowlah but not at the expense of new ideas, I observed throughout the national bushfire informed debate and cultural enrichment. crisis the absolutely dogged and unselfish Whatever happened to Menzies’ belief Scott Morrison’s statement that “the ABC commitment of so many ABC journalists that a university education based on the would be the only media company or in supporting and recounting the reality humanities is essential for civilisation to organisation in Australia whose revenue, of the crisis. I see it again throughout the flourish? their funding, is increasing” is wrong on pandemic with measured scientific facts Tanya Crothers, Mosman two counts. Firstly, the ABC’s revenue explained carefully and clearly to us all. has not increased, but also it should not Irrespective of party allegiance the ABC be described as a “media company”. The deserves our ongoing support in funding The ABC brings daily news, entertainment ABC is a public broadcaster, meaning it so that they can maintain their journalistic and joy to people across the country – in has a national responsibility to provide integrity. We need an independent our cities and in our most remote places. a public good to citizens. The ABC is a broadcaster who will challenge any side At times of crisis the ABC, along with the trusted and vital source of information of politics. The alternative choices are emergency services, is essential to our reflecting a diversity of opinions. depressingly jingoistic. safety and wellbeing, as several of my Jane Lodge, North Narrabeen Anne Garvan, Chatswood West friends found out during the bushfires. Yet, here we go again: more ABC budget cuts and job losses. Time for politicians around The ABC proposes to expand its Australia continues to lurch inexorably to the country to properly represent their coverage of remote areas and to hire the right under the Morrison government constituents who love their ABC. Stop the more journalists in exchange for retaining which had no intention of amending a budget cuts. Stop the job losses. indexation, the loss of which is to cost it flawed law that allows a journalist like Dan Paul Parramore, Sawtell $84 million over three years. And this at a Oakes to be criminalised for doing what a time when regional journalism is bleeding journalist should be doing in a democracy from the ears. So what does it get? A – providing information its citizens have What a strange federal government line of federal ministerial waffle about every right to know. The intimidation that Australia has. It has claimed to be helping preserving “a mutually respectful and trust- this law generates has nothing to do with the economy in reducing unemployment based working relationship”. genuine democracy. If this law functioned during the recovery from the COVID crisis. Max Fossey, Oakville in China or Russia, it would be seen as Yet now it makes a further cut to the integral to repressive governments seeking ABC’s funding, forcing the ABC to sack to control the flow of information. 250 employees. The government’s attack on critical Gary Mulley, Collaroy Plateau Harold Levien, Dover Heights thinking through the ABC, the arts and the universities diminishes us all (“Bring in the Barbarians: the Morrison government is There should be no need for the ABC It matters not how much this government marching us towards anti-intellectualism”, to have to justify its existence to hostile prunes the ABC, I am still not going to June 27-28). Over the past few decades, conservative politicians (“Cost of doing watch Sky. our political centre has moved sharply to business”, August 18). I remember Ron Kerr, Ballina the right, so much so that genuinely good checking the radio at midnight during our investigative journalism, university courses horrific summer and hearing the quiet, that encourage critical thinking and the calm voice of the ABC announcer as she Now is the time to boost funding to the arts in general are denigrated as being detailed the latest news and warnings ABC, not decrease it, more jobs not “left wing”, while conscientiously even- about the bushfires. Why not channel

8 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 the interview with Naomi Cook, head of some of the obscenely large amounts the US where the polarisation of media an anti-5G movement, did contain what of money given to defence spending sources has led to perverse distortion of some might consider the best gotcha into our ABC? Perhaps we could forego news and social commentary through moment since Jordan Peterson reacted to one French submarine or one American organisations such as Breitbart to see a combative Cathy Newman on the UK’s bomber for a service that is far more useful why the ABC (an organisation that has Channel 4 in January 2018. to our safety. its performance measured against a S. Murray, South Caulfield Nola Tucker, Kiama legislated charter of objectivity) is more important now than ever before. The rapid increase in polarisation and distortion Congrats and thanks to the ABC for the Could it be argued that government requires greater, not lesser, investment in new Sunday evening music program The funding cuts to the ABC is akin to Donald the protection of objective, if sometimes Sound. A hugely enjoyable combination of Trump’s degrading of the US Postal challenging, news and social commentary. new and old, news, guests and wonderful Service (“Anger as post office warns on While imperfect, the ABC is the best we ISO performances. A real achievement, postal voting”, August 18). Both apparently have and better than most. very timely and welcome in deflating aimed at limiting criticism and freedom of Richard Jamonts, Williamstown COVID times. opinion. Colleen Keane, Montmorency David Sargeant, Jannali Martin Newington (Letters, 27/6) advances an unconvincing argument for privatising Naturally, the nation remembers Tony With its decision to prosecute Witness Australia’s public broadcaster. To equate Abbott’s wonderful promise in 2013 of no K, the government made it illegal to point banking, aviation and telecommunications cuts to the ABC and SBS. Please remind out that it was doing something illegal. to broadcasting is absurd. They are tools me how long that election promise lasted? With their decision to try and prosecute and services to enable people to get The anti-public broadcasting, anti-ABC the ABC journalist about the Afghan files, things done, whereas public broadcasting agenda your government has they have made it illegal does our nation an absolute to point out that the Army dis-service. The Prime has done something illegal. We slip towards an Minister’s recent comments authoritarian state at an about people who have a alarming rate. job are vital to our nation Keith Binns, Goulburn in the current pandemic situation ring truly hollow given that your government’s In recent years Australia indexation pause is going has suffered from a to result in 250 jobs being series of disasters, not cut from the ABC. Your only to the environment government provided News in the form of droughts, Corp (Australia) with a bushfires and floods but also from the reflects and influences a nation’s values, “refund” or “gift” of hundreds of millions of social upheaval caused by the COVID-19 culture and history. Privatisation puts a dollars several years ago. Imagine what pandemic. It is even more vital therefore few people into powerful positions. As could have been done with those funds that we have a broadcaster upon whom has occurred in other jurisdictions, it is by our national broadcaster? Given the we can rely (particularly in emergency predictable that if the ABC were to be level of support your government receives situations) to supply us with up-to-date privatised, we would all be at the mercy of from News Corp papers, the nexus information based on stringent and owners whose embedded biases, world between this pay off and that support is unbiased research, plus quality drama and view and philosophy would be imposed on outrageously clear. locally based programs. It is a tragedy society. We need a truly independent, well- therefore that the ABC continues to be funded public broadcaster responsible to The government that you are all a part of severely underfunded by the federal the people. is responsible for these cuts to funding - government, with the resultant loss of Neville Craig, Burwood East and consequently, cuts to services - and hundreds of jobs in the past few years not the ABC Board or management. while over the same period Foxtel has After the fantastic job that ABC provided received millions in funding. The definition of “weasel words” – “words to the nation during the bushfire season Estelle Ross, Riverside, Tas. or statements that are intentionally 2019/20, I’d have suggested the ABC ambiguous or misleading”. Example – receive increased funding to improve “There are no cuts to the ABC’s funding”. on service delivery so as to have better Martin Newington (Letters, 27/6) says Alan Gamble, Boronia services for coming bushfire seasons, “broadcasting services are basically news, yet here we are. Previous campaigns in entertainment and social commentary. support of the ABC and funding levels Monday night’s Four Corners on 5G These can be provided from a variety of referred to a cost of 8 cents per day from conspiracies was such a brilliant piece of sources”, describing them as if they are each Australian. As a tax payer, I’d be homogeneous commodities such as iron documentary investigation and rationality. happy to pay 80 cents per day. ore, where the source has no bearing on The tone was finely balanced, never its properties. You only need to look at tipping into blatantly pro or against, though Justin O’Malley, Hamilton WA

ABC Friends National Update, July 2020, Vol 28, No 2 9 Open Letter to David Anderson, Managing Director ABC and Ita Buttrose, Chair ABC Board

write on behalf of ABC Friends National to express our grave concern about the way the ABC has managed the Federal Government’s political interference in ABC staffing and editorial processes Icontrary to the ABC Charter. We totally understand and empathise with the challenges faced by ABC Management dealing with both government funding cutbacks and on-going intervention in the independence of the Australian Public Broadcaster. However recent negotiations with Emma Alberici appear to have been unduly influenced by an earlier dispute when then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull used parliamentary privilege to criticise her professionalism and his friend and then chair of the ABC Board Justin Milne advocated Ms Alberici’s removal from the ABC. It is against this serious breach of public broadcasting protocols that the ABC s more recent employment negotiations with Ms Alberici are unacceptable because you have signalled tolerance and acceptance of government intervention in staffing decisions. Furthermore, at the same time you have stood by other journalists whose professionalism has similarly been challenged by government. Like many in the Australian community, we are saddened that the ABC has failed to support Ms Alberici because her circumstances exemplified the essential principle of respect for journalistic integrity. We know that many thousands of Australians fully support and value the ABC but Ms Alberici’s departure in these circumstances undermines our faith in the current state of Australian public broadcasting. We will continue to campaign for a sustainable and independent ABC free of political manipulation. Yours sincerely

Margaret Reynolds ABC Friends National President

Alberici’s departure is a metaphor for the remaking of Australian media – Emma Alborici is leaving the ABC, and it’s a story that has taken on a much deeper meaning.

Chris Warren, Former Head, Journalist’s Union

10 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 11 Emma Alberici and ABC finalise details of their long and messy divorce

departure (ABC Kowtowed to Turnbull), that has been raised with management Amanda Meade complete with photographs of Alberici in and the board as a worrying trend. Some Guardian Australia her running gear, on page one. Her lawyer of those who left did so because they felt a 21 August 2020 alleged that ABC news director Gaven lack of support from management for career Morris had complained “that she is the advancement, they told Weekly Beast. he long, public divorce between cause of the Prime Minister ringing him Among the journalists who volunteered for the ABC and its chief economics with complaints”, which both Turnbull and redundancy or whose positions were made T correspondent is over. Emma the ABC deny. An ABC spokesman said redundant are radio presenter Elizabeth Alberici has settled her case in the Fair that the allegation “that Malcolm Turnbull Jackson, arts reporter Michaela Boland, Work Commission after her position was made a phone call to ABC Director News former foreign correspondents Zoe Daniel, made redundant. The former Lateline host Gaven Morris on any matter is incorrect.” Dominique Schwartz and Karen Percy, has been a punching bag for the Murdoch emergency broadcast manager Sascha press and the target of a series of negative Rundle and the head of ABC Audio, Kellie articles by the Australian Financial Review’s Emma Alberici(@albericie) Riordan. Aaron Patrick and Joe Aston since I’d like to issue a clarification to The business editor of RN Breakfast, 2018, when her analysis piece about the the @australian story. It is true that Sheryle Bagwell, who has also served as the government’s proposed corporate tax cuts the ABC & I reached an agreement program’s executive producer, is stepping was removed. yesterday. After 18 years of loyal down after almost 15 years. Host Fran Kelly She brought in a lawyer to negotiate with service, including as one of the described her as “a real editorial leader on management over the contentious piece, country’s first mother foreign the programme”. correspondents (with 3 kids under which attracted complaints from former Andrea Ho, an executive who has Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, sparking 3) I am no longer employed by them, 20 August 2020. championed diversity at the ABC has a long-running dispute about her role had her role abolished too. Four Corners inside the ABC. Although she remained reporter and multiple Walkley-award winner chief economics correspondent in title, the Of the 200-plus staff who lost their jobs at Sophie McNeill resigned to join Human former London correspondent did not write the ABC as a result of a budget shortfall, Rights Watch before the redundancies much in the area, and made several TV about 80 were from the news division, began, as did The World Today presenter programs for Foreign Correspondent. and many of those journalists were senior, Eleanor Hall who resigned to take up a long Despite its earlier criticism, the Australian’s highly accomplished women over 40. The held dream of going to the National Art Simon Benson took her side, running proliferation of older, experienced women School. It’s a lot of strong female a largely sympathetic story about her walking away from Aunty is something talent walking out the door.

What will happen without a free press?

The 2016 Canadian film ‘All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception and the Spirit of I. F. Stone’ includes this telling quote: “If something goes wrong with government, a free press will ferret it out and it will get fixed, but if something goes wrong with the free press, the country will go straight to hell.” Jeremy J. Stone, on his father I.F. Stone.

I. F. Stone (1907-1989) – Izzy Stone, was an American investigative journalist who, from 1953 to 1971, produced I F Stone’s Weekly, a journalistic triumph which challenged the conservatism of 20th century American journalism.

12 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 If wars of the future are about influence, Australia needs to be better armed

uncommon respect across the US political divide. In his just- published book Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post- Cold War World, Gates highlights Malcolm Long the crucial importance of strategic Sydney Morning Herald communications in America’s contest 28 July 2020 with global rivals. In an interview about the book on US television he decried the fact “that our entire communications ustralia’s disappearing media media mix. And Australia possesses the capability has been dramatically weakened presence in the Asia-Pacific makes creative and technology skills, multicultural since the end of the Cold War”. He noted us increasingly vulnerable. As we A perspectives and democratic disposition that Congress had eliminated the United wrestle with our deteriorating relations to again forge a compelling presence – States Information Agency and that, with China and seek to strengthen our this time in the new media environment. more recently, influential US international engagement with other countries, effective The war for hearts and minds is most broadcasting services had “basically been international communications by Australia notably under way in the Pacific where the dismantled”. “You know the Russians have gone missing in action. Since 2013, Australian government’s Pacific “step-up” interfere with our politics all the time and following substantial government funding program of engagement and support try to divide us and stuff,” Gates said. cuts, the ABC has reduced its spending recognises the need for us to do more. But “Why aren’t we going into the Russians, on Radio Australia and its international China’s ubiquitous presence and seductive getting past their firewalls and talking television and online services by more than about the corruption of Putin and his two-thirds, to about $11 million a year. At henchmen. We just don’t do that kind the same time, China is investing billions of thing and frankly it’s going to be very in new global communications initiatives. necessary going forward in the world. We Russia, Japan, Germany, France and the ... frankly it’s are disadvantaged because we basically BBC each spend hundreds of millions going to be eliminated or reduced dramatically the annually. funding for almost all these non-military In the past Radio Australia was recognised very necessary instruments of power.” globally as an almost textbook model going forward Gates pointed out that China has a of how to do multilingual international global communications strategy and has broadcasting, successfully blending in the world. invested billions in acquiring networks entertainment, education and highly in every country in the world. “We don’t valued independent news coverage. At its have anything comparable to that today ... height, tens of millions of people around we’re going to need these kinds of tools our region trusted RA to provide an financing capacity are going to be hard to because if we’re lucky and smart we can honest, objective view of what was going match. The government recently provided avoid a military conflict with China. But on in their countries and the world. Over some additional short-term and very that means the rivalry will take place using the decades, Radio Australia produced limited funds to commercial TV and the the non-military instruments of power, and content in Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian, ABC for extra programs for the Pacific, strategic communications is one of the Japanese, Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese, but the gesture is exceedingly modest in most important.” Burmese, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, comparison with the huge expenditures by Dutch, German, Tok Pisin (pidgin English) others. If wars of the future are about influence, words and ideas, Australia needs to be and English. Now content is produced only Our government would do well to heed the better armed too. in Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, Tok Pisin wisdom of Robert Gates, the US Secretary and English. China Radio International of Defence from 2006-2011, who Malcolm Long is a former deputy broadcasts in 65 languages. Beyond famously served in the Republican Bush managing director of the ABC and languages, these days online platforms, administration and was retained by the managing director of SBS. He is a apps and co-operative local productions Democrat president Barack Obama. As a member of the Australia Asia need to be part of any international thinker on geopolitics, Gates commands Pacific Media Initiative.

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 13 Trust ABC Friends We know the real facts

Ranald McDonald AO Journalist and newspaper executive; broadcaster point. Hence staff cuts, BBC repeats, no the Abbott cuts of 2014. As well, let us and educator ABC produced TV entertainment programs not forget the increasing annual cost except those done through independent of transmission are incorporated in the companies where the ABC has no rights total funding figure - so some two million ABC Friends’ media advisor, of repeats or sales and where costs in dollars a year are further taken from what the last three years have risen by 6.5% is left for staff and production etc. Ranald Macdonald, has per annum, forced staff multi-tasking The RMIT ABC Fact Check is a most published his take on the beyond what is reasonable etc. etc. The government’s assertion that valuable document and closer reading of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade this, and the ABC Annual Reports, plus there has been no cuts to the defunded the Australia Network under recent statements form the ABC Chair ABC: it is “blatantly dishonest.” Abbott one year into a 10-year contract and Managing Director will, I believe, at the loss of some $20 million a year and Let me try to simplify the rather wordy support the following conclusion. dis-enfranchised millions of viewers and RMIT/ABC Fact Check just put out on the listeners internationally. The figures are truth of claims and counter-claims over The Australian Broadcasting clear and in the ABC’s Annual Report. ABC funding cuts. The cautious headline Corporation is being Total revenue over the last five years from is that the government’s claims of ‘no weakened maliciously and the Government amounted to: cuts’ is misleading. I would say blatantly systematically, just when it is dishonest for the following reasons: First, • 2015 – $1,063,215,000 most needed in democratic though, a simple analogy. If a myopic • 2016 --$1,064,413,000 Australia. economist, a political spin doctor or Alan Jones told you that over five years you • 2017 – $1,036,090,000 Further, it should not and cannot be had nothing to complain about if your take • 2018 – $1,043, 680,000 treated as just another government home pay increased each year (though by department. Under the 1983 ABC • 2019 – $1,045,911,000 say just $1 a year) - while in round terms Act, the Corporation was established the compounded cost of living had risen And now there is the Morrison ‘freeze’ as a statutory body, independent of over the same period by 10% - you would for three years at a cost of $83.7 million, government and mandated to service all think them all deluded. Further, if they said forcing the announced reduction by ABC Australians as set out in its Charter. others are worse off, you would say - how Managing Director David Anderson of up Ranald McDonald AO, is a Journalist and relevant is that to me, I cannot pay my to a further 250 staff positions on top of newspaper executive; broadcaster bills or educate the children. Somehow the over 1,000 who have departed since and educator. the spin from the Coalition is that the ABC is well-funded, and fortunate to be so, despite shouldering extra responsibilities and achieving strong public support. Also, be grateful as the commercial stations are doing it tough. Deliberately confusing the picture (as Fact Check shows) are the inflation adjusted transmission costs for the ABC averaging some $185 million a year to allow 48 non-metropolitan stations to be accessed around our vast continent, iview, emergency services, four television stations etc. etc. So for ABC staff (and they have occasionally to be rewarded for their efforts!), program production, all other activities etc. etc., the remaining ABC funding - which has reduced in real terms by some 30% in the last three decades - has been stretched beyond the breaking

14 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 ABC Budget ‘Cuts’, or ‘No Cuts’, Who is Right?

Since the 2019 election when Morrison roughly stable in this government’s Marcus May, Vice President, was elected there have been no cuts term of office from 2019/20 to 2021/2 ABC Friends Victoria to the actual ABC budget. Morrison did ($879m, $881m, $879m), the funding however introduce the freezing of budget that it should have received, but hasn’t indexation, that allowed the budget to received, was much higher at an extra he Managing Director of the ABC, increase in line with inflation, and that $116m, $130m and $145m in these David Anderson, has said publicly ‘freezing’ has cost the ABC $84.7 million same years. ‘To summarise, the ABC will have T over 3 years during this government’s term Fact Check and David Anderson are to absorb cumulative budget cuts that of office. correct. amount to $105.9 million per annum by And of course, pre-2019 there have the time we reach the 2022 financial year.’ As the on-going ABC job losses (over been lots of cuts to the ABC’s budget, 1250 now) and programming cuts Scott Morrison Prime Minister, and Paul sometimes via cancelled contracts (Abbott across the board continue to damage Fletcher, Minister for Communications, and Bishop cancelling the Australia the national public broadcaster, and have both repeatedly stated “There Network), sometimes called ‘Efficiency the rumours won’t go away about an have been no cuts to the ABC [by this Dividends’, sometimes funds ‘not addition 2% Efficiency Dividend being government]!” renewed’. Below is the official research slapped on Aunty this coming October, Fact Check has analysed these chart on ABC funding since 2014, it’s important that we let these politicians ministerial statements and labelled them produced by independent academics playing cute about ABC funding know ‘Misleading’. Fletcher has labelled Fact at RMIT and Sydney University. So you that we aren’t buying their spin, and we Check’s analysis as ‘full of flaws’. How can see that while the actual operational won’t tolerate any further cuts, whatever confusing! Who’s right? Well both are right. funding dollars for the ABC have remained fancy names they’re called!

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 15 A curse on art, a curse on society: Government contempt for the ABC, the arts, and the academy

James Ley Australian Book Review August 2020

EXTRACT: The context for this essay Australian Academy of the Humanities, that the arts and humanities demonstrate is that the Morrison government has described this unambiguous attack on the their utility. They are futile because the decided to use the cover of the pandemic very foundations of intellectual inquiry as attacks are not motivated by evidence to further its project of decimating those ‘potentially the greatest hit to Australia’s or reasoned arguments in the first place. public institutions and sections of society humanities sector in a century’. The government knows perfectly well that it regards with contempt. These include Australia has a long record of hostility the arts contribute substantially to the the ABC, the universities, and the arts towards its artists and intellectuals. economy and that humanities graduates sector – all of which are despised precisely What is different about the current are employable. It doesn’t care. The because they play a prominent role in situation is that the hostility has assumed punitive policies are manifestations of shaping the intellectual and cultural life a malignant ideological form. There an unappeasable ideology that cannot of the nation, and all of which have been is nothing surprising about the latest tolerate anything that escapes its narrow weakened by decades of restructuring, government assault on the arts and determinations. There are few things more punitive funding cuts, and relentless humanities. Nothing. Called upon to justify distasteful to the current government culture war nonsense. themselves, defenders of the arts have than to be reminded of the simple fact As I write, the ABC has just announced pointed to the substantial contribution that history is not a collection of statues, its latest round of mass redundancies. the ‘industry’ makes to the economy and literature is not a list of great books, and Among the casualties is its only dedicated have summoned the usual platitudes art is not something that can be safely arts reporter. The education minister has about cultural enrichment, the importance contained in a gallery. The significance of just proposed yet another restructuring of telling stories, and so forth. When the the specious ‘jobs ready’ argument for of funding arrangements for universities, humanities are attacked, their defenders undermining the humanities is not simply one that is explicitly designed to shift reach for no less platitudinous claims that it confirms the self-evident truth that the cost of education onto students about fostering ‘critical thinking’ and we have a government that knows the and deter them from studying allegedly hasten to note that humanities graduates cost of everything and the value of nothing, unproductive humanities subjects. Lest are eminently employable, certainly no but that it is a plainly ideological demand there be any doubt that this is a crass less willing to sacrifice themselves to that we render ourselves subservient to attempt at top-down social engineering, the merciless and insatiable gods of the a non-existent future economy (not a the proposal does not simply target economy than the next person. ‘society’, of course) in which possibilities are already foreclosed. degrees but also individual courses, with These are weak and futile arguments. the aim of making those the government They are weak because they argue on the The clear purpose of framing all political views with disapproval prohibitively preferred ground of an implacable enemy, discussion in narrowly economic terms expensive. Joy Damousi, president of the acceding to the unreasonable demand is to stifle any sensible discussion of how

16 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 we might want to define ourselves as a There is nothing inevitable about them or rotten mess goes belly up once and for society. It coerces us into talking about the social inequities they have created. all and we are all left stranded, a gigantic social and cultural issues as if they are Yet every one of these developments busted flush of a nation that refused to not social and cultural issues. Ultimately, has been rationalised on the grounds invest in the intelligence and creativity of its the survival of the arts and the humanities of economic necessity, the only ‘greater own people and robbed itself of the ability is a question of whether or not we are good’ that is admissible in contemporary even to comprehend what the hell went prepared to acknowledge the existence political discourse. Barely concealed in wrong. of other possibilities; it is the democratic the government’s undisguised hatred of James Ley is an essayist and literary question of whether we will allow room intellectual and artistic endeavour is the critic. This extract is reproduced with for knowledge and independent thought same crippling assumption that people the permission of both the author at all. Since the mid-1990s, Australia are supposed to serve the economy, and the editor of the Australian Book has developed a dysfunctional school- rather than the other way round, and Review. James Ley’s article appeared funding system, a dysfunctional higher the morally bankrupt corollary that any in the August 2020 issue of the ABR education system, a dysfunctional housing human consequences are merely collateral and remains on the ABR website- market, a dysfunctional tax system, a damage. Until we realise that all of these www.australianbookreview.com. dysfunctional employment system, and a issues are related, until we recognise that au/abr-online/current-issue/831- dysfunctional welfare system. There can on a fundamental level they are in fact the commentary/6625-a-curse-on-art- be no pretending that these developments same issue, I fear we are destined to keep a-curse-on-society-government- are anything other than predictable barrelling down the same delusional, self- contempt-for-the-abc-the-arts-and-the- outcomes of conscious policy choices. destructive path until the day the whole academy-by-james-ley

I’m sure John Hewson would swell the numbers, even if Tony Abbott, let alone As uneasy as ABC Scott Morrison, won’t volunteer. My old friend and regular listener Bob Katter waging war on his version of bias, i.e. any might throw his big hat in the ring. I’ll Phillip Adams hint of criticism. give him a call. The Weekend Australian It’s not only here in Australia that Magazine Paradoxically many, perhaps most Liberal voters admire the ABC, as do a lot of Nat ideological bullying threatens public supporters. (People depend on the ABC broadcasting. It has never been Health Warning. This column is in the bush – increasingly so.) I remember influential in the US, barely surviving on written in support of the ABC so it may making this point to Andrew Robb when corporate and private donations. In the well cause apoplexy in some readers. he was a Liberal Party apparatchik. He UK, Johnson was planning to bury the Anyone thus afflicted should turn wholeheartedly agreed, albeit describing Beeb. But Boris has had to slam the urgently to columns by colleagues – it as “our enemies talking to our brakes on bulldozing the BBC – and his perhaps by Gerard Henderson or Chris friends”. Robb found attacks on Aunty other target, the NHS – because of the Kenny. counterproductive, particularly during COVID crisis. elections. At night, using my pass to manoeuvre The ABC has tried desperately to through many layers of security, I make As the current cuts – death by a thousand appease it critics. It opens its key my lonely way to Studio 243 on the – cut even deeper I remembered programs to guests who want it fourth floor of the ABC’s Sydney HQ comparing a Save the ABC Rally years closed down and sold for scrap. where I present, as I have done for before I took the king’s shilling. The Appeasement hasn’t helped. Nor 30-odd years, a twice-a-day program Melbourne Town Hall was packed to has the self-censorship of anxious called Late Night Live. Eclectic topics, the rafters, the audience overflowing employees. worldwide guests, good ratings, vast to the Athenaeum. And I had the odd At a recent Friends of the ABC rally I numbers of downloads. experience of introducing two odd- called for a minute’s silence. I asked the bedfellow protestors to the cheering There’s not yet a Vacant Possession crowd to imagine that silence lasting an crowd. Gough Whitlam and Malcolm sign outside but soon empty spaces hour, a day, a week. An endless silence. Fraser, together for the first time since the will be available for rental. After COVID That may well be the future. If you Dismissal. Holding hands, arms aloft! the building will be even emptier remain silent. And I’m talking to you Lib because of the current round of On tweeting the suggestion it was time voters, to you Nat voters. Not just to retrenchments. Thanks to endless for similar heavy-hitting bipartisan support that scruffy Labor mob. budget cuts I’ve seen thousands from the likes of Rudd, Gillard and You’ll miss us when we’re gone. Even depart. And it’s not simply because the Turnbull I got an immediate “I’m up for you, Gerard and Chris. Aunty’s critics Libs don’t like us. Nor did Keating, or that” from Kevin, tweeting he was ready will have to find a new enemy to attack, Hawke. When I arrived at the ABC just to march with Julia. I await confirmation someone else to blame for the before the first Iraq invasion, Bob was from Malcolm. Turnbull, not Fraser. And collapse of civilisation.

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 17 Freedom of Speech in Australia Today

Rick Sarre’s speech delivered at ABC Friends (SA) Annual General Meeting, 24 Nov 2019

ur Australian democracy demands 5. The budget cuts to the ABC, the only 5. The deficiencies of the law of defamation that we have the freedom to voice in the media not influenced or in balancing in a satisfactory manner the Ospeak openly and freely in order beholden to commercial interests rights of a free press against the rights to hold to account powerful political and (remembering Alan Jones, John Laws of targets of that press not to be unfairly commercial interests. In many respects and the whole ‘cash for comment’ maligned (the case of Rush v Nationwide Australians are, however, at sixes and phenomenon.) News refers). sevens. Let me give you six examples 6. The High Court decision in 2019 6. The commentary following the ‘voice where freedom of speech has been (Comcare v Michaela Banerji) upholding to parliament’ made by Indigenous targeted by all three arms of government: the right of the government to place Australians in preparation of the Uluru legislative, executive and judicial in recent limits on the anonymous social media Statement from the Heart in 2017. times. postings of public servants. There have been many law reforms and 1. The 87 anti-terrorism laws that have Now let me list six ways in which commissions of inquiry designed in recent been passed by Australian state and commentators of all persuasions are times to improve matters. Let me rehearse federal parliaments since 2001, many keeping these issues in the front of our seven of them: applying to shut down journalists who minds: 1. In each state we have whistleblower attempt to report government over- 1. The creation of a ‘Right to Know’ or public interest disclosure legislation, reach. campaign, run strongly by all mainstream highlighting that governments are 2. The raids by the Australian Federal media throughout the latter part of 2019. ostensibly encouraging people not to be Police at the house of News Corp 2. The back down from Attorney-General afraid to speak out. journalist Annika Smethurst and on the Christian Porter over the AFP raids, 2. In all States, and at the federal level, Sydney offices of the ABC. indicating to parliament that he would we have Freedom of Information 3. The prosecution of Julian Assange, an not pursue or prosecute journalists too (FOI) legislation ostensibly keeping Australian citizen, targeted for releasing readily, because there was now a “press governments honest. classified military documents, some freedom safeguard” in place. 3. In order to improve the operation of highlighting atrocious action by US 3. The reaction to footballer Israel Folau’s defamation law, all jurisdictions passed personnel in the Middle East. homophobic post in the general uniform Defamation Acts fifteen years 4. The ongoing prosecution of Witness discussion around religious freedom. ago. K and his lawyer Bernard Collaery (a 4. The decision by the Coalition not to 4. The Australian Human Rights former Attorney-General for the ACT) amend Section 18C of the Racial Commission is undertaking the “Free who were blowing the whistle on Discrimination Act 1975 (inserted in and Equal Project” (initiated in 2018) Australian intelligence agencies that 1995 as part of the Labor-inspired racial to talk with Australians and to identify were bugging East Timorese offices hatred amendment) despite the former what makes an effective system of during negotiations over the oil and gas Attorney-General George Brandis saying human rights protection for 21st century fields of the Timor Sea. that a person ‘has a right to be a bigot’. Australia.

18 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 5. In July 2019 the Senate referred an his website after having been ordered to that are not. Here is my checklist of six inquiry into press freedom to the do so by the Federal Court). matters that need urgent attention in order to ensure that the balance between Environment and Communications 6. Equal opportunity laws apply in every freedom to speak and a government’s References Committee. State and Territory to limit egregious right to limit speech is appropriate. 6. At about the same time, the comments. A person cannot vilify Parliamentary Joint Committee on another on the basis of race or creed 1. We need to see genuine reforms of Intelligence and Security commenced an under the anti-discrimination laws, Australia’s FOI laws. Requests from inquiry into the impact of the exercise of although only three jurisdictions create journalists and others are too easily law enforcement and intelligence powers a right for an aggrieved person to evaded under the existing definitions on the freedom of the press. challenge another person who has made and exemptions. For a government department to be able to avoid an 7. The Religious Freedom Bill that emerged a religiously vilifying statement (in SA FOI request regarding the delays in 2019 has been sent to the Australian one can exercise a right not to be vilified to payments under the NDIS (as Law Reform Commission for further or discriminated against on the basis of happened in 2019) for being “irrelevant recommendation. religious dress). material” is absurd. To put all of the above in context, here is 2. We need to amend section 122.4A of a quick overview of the law of freedom of the national Criminal Code that allows speech in Australia. journalists to be prosecuted if their There are many ways in which the freedom reporting has the potential to “harm” to speak is constrained in Australia (we the government. “Harm” too easily can do not have a First Amendment ‘right’ become “embarrassment”. that is found in the US Constitution which 3. Section 35P of the ASIO Act must lifts many such constraints). However, be repealed. This section was added we do have an implied right of political by the Abbott government to raise communication, developed from the potential civil and criminal liability early 1990s (from the Chief Justice (with no “public interest defence”) Mason-inspired High Court that read into for journalists who report a Special the Constitution that, in order to have Intelligence Operation (or even that an ‘representative government’, citizens SIO was carried out at all). need to be able to communicate freely on matters political) and illustrated in SA 4. Defamation law needs an overhaul. by the 2002 High Court case of Bass v There is an argument (which needs Roberts and Case (which illustrated how to be explored) that the giving to robust this right can be). These are the alleged defamer (typically the press) the onus of proving a defence There is also the principle of ‘legality’ (because the comment is presumed by which says that if such a right is to be all matters law to be defamatory) places too high constrained by a parliament (such as with a burden on journalists. the outlaw motorcycle gang legislation worth found in many States that seriously limits 5. We need a charter of rights. Australia their freedom of association but which has is the only Western democracy now been ‘approved’ by the High Court), fighting without one. Such a charter will not it is must be done clearly and specifically, give carte blanche to freedom of not by implication or innuendo. We need for. expression. It will simply set out the to remember that there are many ways in broad parameters by which speech is which speech is legitimately silenced by to be protected under the laws of our laws in this country. Let me list seven: democracy. 1. Suppression rules that include the 6. We need to reinstate all ABC funding general principle that any matters that that has been cut under the Coalition’s are sub judice (in court at the time) 7. Privacy laws legitimately limit flows of watch. It is unsatisfactory that the ABC − the voice of reason, balance, cannot be published. information from one body to another, transparency, investigative reporting, guided by the Privacy Principles and 2. Juror deliberations cannot be published. and the only news and current affairs overseen by the Australian Privacy vehicle unencumbered by commercial 3. Defamation laws limit the freedom of one Commissioner. person to malign another. or political interests − is constantly So we have a democratic right to speak hamstrung by parsimonious budgeting 4. Laws that limit seditious speech, and out (especially in relation to protests of and unfair attacks. any calls for violence, or the incitement a political nature) but it is constrained in These are all matters worth fighting for. of hatred against others. many legitimate ways. The key test for 5. Holocaust denial is prohibited (the case us, as citizens, is to gauge whether the Dr Rick Sarre is an Adjunct Professor of Fredrick Toben, the denier who was current (and foreshadowed) constraints of Law and Criminal Justice at the gaoled in 2009 for failing to take down are reasonable, and lobby to reject those University of South Australia.

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 19 the long white cloud’ Aotearoa, did have printed copies for all Jackie Deacon mostly Christchurch, Wellington twelve of her first cousins and Auckland, lived and During the research, one cousin ABC Friend Queensland worked in the UK too, before from Milton on the NSW South arriving in Australia. She thinks Coast suggested a family she’s settled now with 25 research trip overseas to the years of living on Queensland’s UK and Ireland, with a stop-off Gold Coast, more than half in Paris. They both indulged of those working closely with themselves with Business the Mayor and Councillors in Class. ‘Looxury!’ Jackie looks a vital administrative capacity, back on that with real pleasure researching and collating and nostalgia as that same background data for the myriad cousin was one of the victims projects in such a vibrant part of the hideous bush fires last of the country, and meticulously summer. minuting Gold Coast City Council decisions. Jackie fumes at the funding of $80m given to Murdoch in the Jackie has always been last three years: a commercial interested in politics, the ABC group called Newscorp. Then, and history. She has a son Angela & Jackie at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast, September 2019. the rant continues, the current living in Melbourne working government asks Google et al in electronic engineering and daily alert? Some of us send to pay some taxes and give it biometrics in IT at Monash Angela Williamson her snippets from our local or to commercial journalism. In her University. Update Production national dailies. She also finds opinion, the ABC funding model Manager stories, many through Twitter, Apart from beavering with should be out of the Budget and Google Alerts, skim reads ABC research in recent times, cycle and be, say, for ten years she laid the groundwork for and a percentage of Federal any contributors from them all; combines some into this role by researching over Government Expenditure. around the country clumps of interest and chases a period of three years her Jackie feels that the ABC enhance the efficacy up stories on press freedoms, M family’s history as far back as doesn’t push the case that it’s of ABC Friends. A special whistle-blowers, or others the 16th century in Devon, UK, really educational. Jackie also and much appreciated one is relating to the ABC operations. and Dublin. She wrote the believes the ABC has been Jackie Deacon, ABC Friends’ Jackie choses items linked to book for the extended family devalued. She acknowledges News-Sleuth, who reads, the ABC’s Charter and rules encompassing more than 6000 that there have been savings skims, or devours newspapers and culls those of peripheral people and ended up focusing as a consequence of digital and journals voraciously for interest to avoid overwhelming on her grandfather as his transmission. Conversely, we, any references to the ABC. the recipients. She arranges remarkable story revealed itself the Australian public, expect a She sifts, sorts and sends her items by order of importance, and became totally absorbing. lot more of our ABC. We’re not findings to key people in our topped by things which The resultant ‘book’, on the content with simple offerings of ABC Friends’ leadership. threaten the ABC. cloud, is Jackie’s ‘PhD from the yesteryear. Hear hear, How does she provide this vital Jackie grew up in ‘the land of University of Life’. Though she Jackie!

Boyer, who could see brief to follow events wherever they Farewell the importance for were happening, and report and Australians of having a comment on them to ABC news closer view of what was and the then “talks department”, Colin Mason happening elsewhere and to further the interests of Radio The ABC’s first in their region. It was Australia,” Mason remembered in a a time of increasing 2004 piece written for an exhibition man in Asia turmoil in Asia: the on the history of ABC foreign Malayan Emergency correspondents and coverage. “It guerrilla war was was a very big parish, stretching About the ABC, 27 July 2020 still underway, there was civil war in from Burma east to Japan, but it was Colin Mason, who has recently Indonesia, nationalist movements were always interesting and, because of the died aged 93, was the ABC’s first asserting themselves across the region tumult of change, always newsworthy. correspondent in Asia and pioneered and conflict was intensifying between the “The South-East Asian exercise was ABC Radio in the region. In 1956 he North and South Vietnamese regimes. always fascinating, demanding and at established an ABC office in Singapore “The initial project was to send in one times slightly dangerous, but on the at the behest of ABC Chair Sir Richard man and I arrived in Singapore with a whole it did its job, placing South-

20 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 Farewell Colin Mason Commission 1932-1983, by historian Ken though without any instruction from the Inglis (1929 – 2017) which reported on government, accepted a responsibility continued the ABC’s entry into Asian broadcasting to let Australians lean more about and the challenges which Colin Mason their neighbours. A South East Asian East Asia firmly within the scope of and other foreign correspondent pioneers Representative was appointed to ABC programs. “Yet even now, almost faced in the 1950s: Singapore in 1956, and from that 50 years later, many Australians lack base offices were opened in 1964 in a basic knowledge of the facts of the ‘In 1956 the ABC’s only offices outside Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur… The first Asian region. That is something that Australia were in London, New York and South East Asian Representative, C V must change.” Port Moresby. Within a few years, on Mason, was from [ABC] Talks; so was Hamilton’s initiative and with support After a 14-year career with the ABC his first assistant, Keith Mackriell…. from Boyer and Moses*, the ABC had Mason became a NSW Senator with The work could be exciting, arduous a larger news-gathering organisation the Australian Democrats, elected and sometimes dangerous. Mason had in Asia than the whole of the Australian to Parliament alongside Don Chipp. conversations with President Sukarno press. Australia … was a part of Asia. Post-politics he became a full-time in Jakarta, might have been killed in The cables on which Australian had writer, with his books including A Short Sumatra if rebels had managed, as to depend were represented far less History of Asia and The 2030 Spike: reported, to dig trenches across an adequately in Asia than in Europe and Countdown to Global Catastrophe and airfield where he and MacKriell were to America. As the defects of domestic novels Hostage, Copperhead Creek land, and went down with meningitis reported had earlier been deemed to and Northern Approaches. All at the in Singapore and typhoid in Phnom justify the creation of an independent ABC extend our sincere condolences to Penh’. news service, so the Commission now, Colin’s family and friends. though without any instruction from the *Walter Hamilton was the ABC’s Addendum: Notes taken by Diana government, accepted responsibility to Editor-in-Chief; Sir Richard Boyer, Wyndham from pages 233-234 of This justify the creation of an independent Chairman and Charles Moses the is the ABC: The Australian Broadcasting news service, so the Commission now, General Manager

A personal appeal for the ABC

A STATEMENT BY KERRY O’BRIEN SUPPORTED BY THE ABC ALUMNI AND THE FRIENDS OF THE ABC

29 JUNE 2020 played a vital role in communicating after inquiry what was happening within the worst to try to force The ABC has never been more bushfire zones minute by minute where unnecessary change on the public important or more relevant to lives were on the line, but also to the broadcaster. Australians and yet it is under greater wider national audience. threat than at any other time in its The ABC cannot sustain further cuts. history. As someone who has devoted We know liberal democracy is under It has suffered real damage too many most of my professional life to public threat around the world, and one times from budget cuts and its future broadcasting and the high ideals of of the cornerstones of a strong viability is now on the line. This is not the ABC I am appealing to voters in democracy—a strong, free media—is about Coalition versus Labor. This the Eden-Monaro by-election who under siege. Traditional news outlets is one moment in which even the share my view that the ABC is one of are disappearing, none more so than in most dyed-in-the-wool conservative the most important institutions in our regional and rural Australia. voters can show their support for the ABC in the ballot box by registering a nation, to take this rare opportunity In the circumstances there is protest vote without threatening the to send a strong, clear message to all an undeniable need for strong, government’s control of the parliament political parties but particularly to the independent public broadcasting and still send a clear message that government on Saturday—don’t mess that can be trusted. Yet over the past they want their ABC valued and with our ABC. seven years there has been a sense of supported, not destroyed through the Nowhere has the ABC’s dedication to punishment about the Liberal National death of a thousand cuts. the Australian community been more Coalition government’s approach to keenly felt than during last summer’s the ABC. Funding has been cut, and Kerry O’Brien can be contacted via terrible bushfires. Its daily coverage cut again, and there has been inquiry [email protected]

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 21 The ABC’s man who crunches crisis numbers nightly: Casey Briggs who presents on the ABC’s 7pm News

facts, and in this situation, facts that are the word I would use: it’s a responsibility Ben Pobjie sometimes hard to interpret. This is not you can’t take lightly. SMH, The Guide, 8 July 2020 an event that Australians have grappled Is it ever hard to hold back your with in any serious way before — we own opinions and commenting? Is it haven’t seen a pandemic in a century, so difficult to keep your emotions out of How are you enjoying your new we don’t know what to expect. We have your job? celebrity status? eight different state and territory health departments, we have a federal health To be honest, in lots of ways, not really. I don’t know if I’d call it celebrity status, department; they’re not always singing There’s so much to keep me busy, there but it’s certainly been a busy few from the same song-sheet, they’re not are 200 countries we’re talking about. months. I think it’s been nice to get a always reporting information in the same Australia is obviously the main focus, but positive reaction from what is the very way, so it’s very confusing. Not just for there’s a lot going on. So just staying fundamentals of journalism: telling people audiences, but I think for journalists across that data, staying across the global what’s going on, what they need to know sometimes, as well. So that’s been my situation, is a full-time job in its own right. and how to understand what is at times a philosophy for the last few months working That sort of keeps me grounded. But every very confusing story enveloping the entire solely on this story: what do people need ABC reporter parks their feelings as soon world. So there are so many directions to know, and what’s the best way to as they walk in the door; that’s just basic you could be looking in, so many things present that? And I think audiences aren’t journalism, what we’re trained to do. If to focus on, and it’s been nice to hear that stupid, they know when you’re a fraud, we’re not getting the information that the people value my analysis and trust that I and they appreciate that we can get back public needs to know, if that information can point them in the right direction. to basics: get back to telling people what’s is being withheld, then I will call that out, So you don’t feel famous at this point? going on in an environment where it’s not and I have. Dealing with the facts means No. I’ve been a reporter at the ABC for always clear. also acknowledging the limitations of the more than four years now. I’ve definitely Is it ever daunting for you, the facts, and that’s been an important part of noticed that I’m getting more attention, but responsibility of knowing that so many this story for me: bringing audiences who it’s not like I’m getting recognised on the people rely on you for such important don’t have training in dealing with statistics street. I don’t feel like I’m a celebrity in any information? along and making sure they understand way. how this monumental global story can It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. It’s be understood through the data, but There aren’t a lot of Briggs groupies comforting for me in that I’m just dealing also where that data has limitations and out there? in the facts, how to interpret them and what we don’t understand. I think that’s what to look for. And how we measure Not that I know of, no. I’ve had a couple been a very important part of this story of friends’ parents pass on messages, but how Australia and other countries are as well. My role is to provide analysis not that’s about it. proceeding through this pandemic. And because I’m not freelancing with on the response of politicians, but on the Do you feel that what you’ve been comment, in a lot of ways, that makes my indicators of this pandemic. That means providing – the hard data – is life easier. It’s easier to rely on the facts that analysis is by necessity fact-driven something that journalism has lost when that’s all you’re focused on. We have and evidence-based, and this goes back sight of a bit in the modern age? a team of people who are analysing this to the groundings of being a journalist, We’ve certainly seen a lot more comment- data set and this pandemic. I’m the face but also my academic background. This based journalism spring up — not recently, on television but there’s a whole team of is all about evidence-based conclusions. it’s been happening for some time. But developers and journalists working on this So it’s not too difficult to keep in that lane, what we’ve seen here is that there’s an as well across all platforms at the ABC. So because it’s sort of Journalism 101 and audience for journalism that is driven by I’m not completely alone. “Daunting” isn’t Academia 101.

Page 22 On a personal note, how are you been important to me: trying to make sure a home office and all that kind of thing. It’s coping with the pandemic yourself? I stay grounded and remember why we pretty rare for a journalist to work on one Part of covering the pandemic is that care about this so much and what the story for so long: this is all I’ve covered you’re constantly exposed to what is in consequences could be if we get it wrong now for four months now. It’s rare in that many places in the world a really horrific in Australia. Like everyone, I think it’s been you don’t get a break from it, but also situation, and sometimes it can be easy a very rapid change to the way we live and there’s something satisfying in following a to just look at the numbers and forget that work in the last few months, and there’s story through for this long. It’s something there are people behind them. So that’s been big adjustments there and we’ve built that as a reporter you don’t do a whole lot.

The case against Dan Oakes

EXPOSES HOW DANGEROUSLY FRAGILE PRESS FREEDOM IS IN AUSTRALIA

Peter Greste shocking “Afghan files” story. The story The military must decide to refer the case Guardian Australia relied on hundreds of pages of leaked to the police. The AFP has to decide 4 July 2020 classified documents that gave an whether to investigate and then refer unprecedented insight into special forces the brief of evidence to the CDPP. The operations. Oakes and his colleague Sam CDPP must then decide whether there obody is suggesting giving Clark were careful not to publish any is a “public interest” in proceeding with journalists blanket protection to information that might compromise the a prosecution. And finally, in 2019 the Npublish classified information at security of ongoing operations. It is hard attorney general, Christian Porter, issued will, but we need profound legislative to imagine a story more “in the public a directive saying he must personally reform. For any law to be effective, there interest” than one that details how our consent to any prosecution of journalists. needs to be clarity. Most legislation is own troops – those who act on behalf He also said he would be “seriously so mind-numbingly formal and technical of every Australian – may have been disinclined” to do so, but that ultimately because it is drafted to avoid any involved in war crimes. Yet the journalists makes the decision to prosecute a confusion about exactly what the law were the target of that now infamous matter of political expedience for any allows, what it forbids, who it applies raid by AFP agents who went to the of those people, rather than one of law. to and the consequences of breaching ABC’s Ultimo headquarters looking for That is not how the law is supposed to it. Yet, when it comes to the role of the evidence of the sources for their story. work. And that was the day after they had gone media in Australia, legislated confusion The only solution is with profound to the home of News Corp journalist abounds. legislative reform. Tweaking individual Annika Smethurst looking for her sources A free press is universally recognised statutes won’t cut it. Rather, the to another story involving classified as essential to the way any democracy organisation I represent, the Alliance information. should work – that’s why it is hard-wired for Journalists Freedom, is calling for into most democratic constitutions. The The AFP dropped the case against a comprehensive Media Freedom Act, First Amendment to the US constitution Smethurst citing a lack of evidence, to firmly establish the principle of press protects press freedom there. The but it has now sent their brief on freedom in the DNA of our legal code. Human Rights Act does it in the United Oakes to the commonwealth director Nobody is suggesting giving journalists Kingdom. Canada, New Zealand, France, of public prosecutions. (Clark is not to blanket protection to publish classified Sweden, even Egypt all have press be prosecuted for reasons that remain information at will, but it would force freedom written into their legal codes in unclear.) It is now up to the CDPP to investigators, prosecutors and the courts some form. But not Australia. Instead, decide whether to proceed with the case to favour the public interest in publishing, the best Australia can do is an “implied and take Oakes to court. And therein before they go after journalists. It freedom of political communication” lies the problem. Throughout the entire would also give the likes of Dan Oakes that the high court has merely inferred process, the decision to prosecute a the cover they need to hold the most from our constitution. There is nothing journalist rests at the discretion of a powerful people to account, without fear that explicitly protects it. As the case of series of people who may or may not of being thrown in prison. Dan Oakes demonstrates, this makes be involved in the story. There is no Peter Greste is a spokesman and press freedom in Australia a dangerously legal obligation to consider the impact founding director of the Alliance for fragile thing. Oakes is one of two ABC on press freedom, or the messages it journalists who in 2017 exposed serious might send to whistleblowers considering Journalists Freedom, and UNESCO chair allegations of war crimes by Australian going to the press with stories about in Journalism and Communication at special forces in Afghanistan with their government wrongdoing. the University of Queensland.

Page 23 State News

The Objectives a series of four weekly advertisements will Victoria be placed in ‘The Weekly Times’, the ‘bush • Raise awareness of the ABC’s value to bible’ newspaper of Victoria, the first one What can you do when your the community looking like ‘A’. whole state is in lockdown? • Confirm the value of belonging to the Then the second looking like ‘B’. ABC-lovers community And that’s the challenge that faced ABC The Weekly Times is a Newscorp Murdoch Friends Victoria when COVID-19 struck, • Identify, and Raise Awareness of, the publication, but it’s extremely well read and even further when the state doubled damage that will occur from ABC by the rural farming community in Victoria down with the second wave taking us to funding issues and we do need to get our message out levels 3 and 4 of pandemic restrictions. • Target the whole Victorian public to those good people. In a way it’s quite It became almost impossible to have with particular emphasis on rural satisfying to publish pro-ABC material in any physical meetings of any kind, there communities a Murdoch paper. Advertising boosts on were no markets to meet and greet at, social media are being placed over the • Pressure Federal politicians to rectify the no events to hand out material to, and period, the first one looking like ‘C’. the whole state was more worried about funding issues These messages are designed to support catching COVID and about their income, • Impact federal government thinking the local groups activities and to target the their jobs and their future. before the upcoming budget decisions young and rural audiences so important The Victorian ABC Friends committee (the Government has decided to defer to galvanising ABC support. So, when was also extremely concerned about the 2020-21 Budget until 6 October you are so limited in what you can do, the upcoming delayed 2020/21 budget, 2020) you can still do a lot! And thanks to all our now scheduled to be announced early • Involve and motivate ABCF members & generous members and supporters for October. Would the ABC again come supporters to get involved getting behind these sorts of efforts. Let’s under attack in that budget? The signs see if we can make a difference – let’s all The last week of August was selected weren’t good, with Minister Fletcher get involved! calling a $200,000 tender for private to rouse all the local groups across the consultants to prepare a report on news state for an intensive first week to call Marcus May and media business models looking and write to the media, to politicians and ABC Friends Victoria specifically at the impact of public to community leaders to tell them that broadcasters “on commercial operators”. Aunty is in real trouble and any more cuts VICTORIAN GROUPS - GEELONG We all know that the government was coming would be totally unacceptable. Getting to Know Your Local Pollies really disappointed with the outcome The following weeks would continue local from the 2018 ‘Competitive Neutrality’ groups’ actions particularly on the offices The Geelong Friends Local Group is Inquiry that found the ABC had no of federal politicians representing Victorian very active across the two electorates unwarranted impact on commercial electorates. To support local group work it represents, Corio and Corangamite. media. So, it’s having another go, this Corio is a safe Labor seat held by Labor’s time through the commercial consultancy Richard Marles (Deputy Leader of the route – not good. Another $10 million A Federal Labor Party) while Corangamite is was gifted to Foxtel to cover minor sport, a marginal seat currently held by Labor’s public broadcasters were excluded Libby Coker. Corangamite was previously from any revenues gained from global held by Liberal Sarah Henderson who is networks Google and Facebook, and now Senator for Victoria, with an office in there were persistent rumours of another central Geelong. ‘Efficiency Dividend’ funding cut being The Geelong Friends believe it is vital to slapped on Aunty towards the years’ B develop strong relationships with all local end. members, especially those in the House of The signs weren’t good at all! So, the Representatives. Before the last election committee decided to put as much a small group of Geelong Friends met pressure on the federal government as members and candidates from major it could, in advance of the impending C parties to discuss their attitudes towards budget, with the theme ‘NO MORE the ABC. Often this is difficult because CUTS’ as the priority. A three week some candidates are not nominated until campaign would be kicked off across the last minute. We met Sarah Henderson the state in the period before the budget (Liberal), Richard Marles and Libby Coker was due. (Labor) and Simon Northeast (Greens). It is vital that the ABC Friends remain non-

24 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 party political. All parties must be given that there will be an ‘Efficiency Dividend’ for the opportunity to put forward their views. the Government departments including the ABC Friends (Vic) with some help from the ABC. Will the ALP oppose this efficiency Geelong group and others put together a dividend? Michael was disappointed score card for the responses given by main with the response which basically was parties at the last election to these seven that the ABC would have to live within its statements about the ABC: means and make savings via innovation. 1. The ABC must be independent and He has written for further information and free from government and commercial clarification and would be happy to join influences. another ZOOM meeting with any political 2. The ABC should receive full and party. committed funding to meet its Charter Despite COVID-19 the Geelong group requirements. Since the Election the Geelong Group staged a silent vigil on 30 June outside 3. All parties and politicians should make a has tried to maintain contacts with Local Senator Sarah Henderson’s office, to clear commitment that the ABC will never Federal politicians through invitations mourn and protest the loss of ABC be sold off or privatised. to events. As an example invitations to funding, staff and program cuts. Twenty five members attended the very successful 4. The ABC should resume its role as our December breakup meeting. Sarah vigil and we covered the four corners of a Australia’s ‘voice’ into Asia and the Pacific Henderson was very helpful recently in prominent intersection, but with COVID-19 in accordance with its Charter. forwarding correspondence to the Minister, Paul Fletcher, and following up with three distancing observed. There was good 5. Australian content must continue to be Geelong Advertiser or four reminders, keeping us informed, coverage in the and created by the ABC and fully cover our Geelong Independent and forwarding the response back to . Well done everyone. history and culture in order to educate, us. (The issue of Cuts versus No Cuts inform and bring together all Australians. continues to be disputed.) Libby Coker met 6. The ABC must have a significant role a small group recently outside the Geelong in developing and promoting local talent ABC Office, which is closed due to the and technical skills through program Coronavirus with staff working from home, development. to discuss the ABC especially funding and 7. The ABC should receive increased the inadequate ABC footprint in Geelong, funding for rural and regional coverage. Both Sarah and Libby had made promises about the Geelong ABC Office if they and The Coalition scored two No’s indicating their parties were elected to government. no support (Questions 2 and 4) and five Question marks indicating concern. The On 12 August Michael Kinnane was invited Labor Party and Greens scored seven by Libby Coker to be part of a ZOOM Yes’s indicating full agreement. Of course meeting with Michelle Rowland, Shadow all votes would need to be teased out for Minister for Communications, the Arts and ABC Friends must be open to discussions further explanation (eg: funding – with the the ABC, Libby as Chair and others. The with all political parties. It is obvious that Labor party promising to restore the $83.7 topic was the ‘Future of our ABC’. It was all elected members will follow their party million cut, while the Greens promised to very pleasing to read statements from lines (policies) but we must keep pressure restore all cuts of $783 million made by the Libby such as; “I am strongly supportive of on our local members, in our case Richard, Coalition). This score card was the result of the ABC. Our trusted national broadcaster Libby and Sarah, to pressure their parties meetings with politicians and candidates has been with us for generations – to develop better policies for the ABC for in Melbourne, Geelong and others places supporting us through bushfires, floods example funding and constant attacks on and it gives an indication of party positions. and COVID 19. Like you, I am concerned the ABC and ABC staff. successive cuts to the ABC by the Flyers using this information were widely Michael Kinnane, Chairperson and Hilary Coalition Government are undermining this distributed by members of Friends in a Robinson Secretary, ABC Friends Geelong huge campaign at railway stations, in mail trusted institution. Scott Morrison ignored boxes, at pre polling, on Election Day and the ABC’s warning that the latest cut of many other places. $83.7 million will make it difficult for the ABC to meet its Charter requirements and Tasmania audience expectations.” Crocheting and Community in Michael was happy to accept this invitation the Time of COVID-19: Green so he could ask a question about ABC Crochet and the ABC’s Rug Up funding. At the last election the ALP Tassie Appeal promised to restore the $83.7 million, however the total cuts from the coalition Tasmanians are always good at are over $783 million which resulted in responding to appeals for help, and this staff cuts of over 1300 etc. Basically his winter was no different. But when the call questions were: Will the ALP promise to went out from ABC Radio during June restore the cuts? At the October budget seeking donations of 5,000 knitted 20 cm the ABC Alumni and others are worried squares to make blankets for those who

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 25 Jane Devenish-Meares, a forensic scientist at Forensic Science Service Tasmania, NSW & ACT State News has become a keen member after initially going along to a Green Crochet session Committee Report for Update are homeless, or who may be struggling intending to brush up her skills with a September 2020 to afford heating, even the organisers were crochet hook. Not only has she honed The Eden Monaro by-election provided an surprised by the overwhelming response. her craft at these crochet sessions, she important opportunity to argue the case has found the opportunity to share food, In partnership with branches of St Vincent for a well-funded and independent ABC. histories, stories, skills and laughter an de Paul, The Salvation Army and other The ACT regional group, led by Peter added bonus and equally valuable. charities Statewide, the Rug Up Tassie Lindenmayer, with great assistance from Appeal ran for almost six weeks through Although it’s certainly true many Gia Metherell, committed time, effort and June and July, and was promoted through Tasmanians have probably had more resources urging voters to use their vote ABC websites and social media. The time on their hands this winter due to to send a message of support for our sound of knitting needles busily clicking COVID-19 restrictions, Radio Hobart besieged national broadcaster. Candidates away was soon heard across the state manager Samantha Stayner said the Rug were surveyed for their views on the ABC as Tasmanians young and old took up Up Appeal provided a way for people to and email blasts and advertisements the challenge, dropping off squares in a help others in the community, especially drafted which presented the results. The steady stream at the ABC offices in Hobart when donating money wasn’t necessarily Canberra Times, in the week before the and Launceston, as well as at those of an option. by-election, quoted a poll which found that their charity partners. Then it was over “Rug Up Tassie is a way for almost anyone 85% of respondents said they had been to groups of volunteers, who turned the to get involved, help fellow Tasmanians, be affected by the bushfires; 72% agreed donated squares into warm and woolly part of something really special, and make that the ABC had provided up-to-date blankets by stitching those thousands of a difference for people who might not have and reliable information and 70% favoured colourful squares together. access to heating and warm shelter during an end to ABC funding cuts or improved One recently formed Hobart-based the cold months,” she said. funding. The result of the 4 July by-election was very close, with Labor’s Kristy McBain community group that answered the call For the Green Crochet group, Chu’s prevailing over the Liberal’s Fiona Kotvojs, to help transform thousands of the knitted creativity, enthusiasm and encouragement 50.4% to 49.6%. ABC Friends hope that squares into blankets was Green Crochet. has been a demonstration of community the federal government got the message A community program, established by strength in these challenging COVID times, that people care about the ABC and want University of Tasmania Master of Art and has shown how powerful collaborative to see an end to the funding cuts inflicted Therapy student Chu Vien Hang in the projects like ABC Radio Hobart’s Rug by this government since 2014. Equally, aftermath of last summer’s bushfires, Up Tassie can be in helping to break our hope is that Labor will continue to Green Crochet initially involved fellow down barriers, reduce isolation, provide a affirm its commitment to ending the UTAS students from Vietnam, Malaysia sense of purpose, and bring communities cuts. Friends will continue to argue for a and Nepal. Its purpose was to support the together. appeal for nests and pouches for injured restoration of funding to pre-2014 levels. wildlife and orphaned small mammals. The generous enthusiasm of Tasmanians Congratulations to Peter, Gia and all who But Chu’s energy and enthusiasm saw resulted in over 20,000 squares being worked on this great campaign. donated by the closing date of 26 July. the group’s popularity quickly expand In mid-August NSW Committee member This total well and truly ‘smashed’ the and it was soon welcoming people from Cassandra Parkinson convened a meeting original target of 5,000. Over 600 blankets the broader community. The vibrant by Zoom which invited representatives have already been completed and international community now has around from Branches across NSW and ACT distributed, and Ms Stayner said it was 60 members that includes crocheters of to explore strategies to influence the likely a further 600 are still to be created all ages and abilities, who come from a Morrison government in the lead-up to and distributed to those in need through diverse range of ethnic backgrounds that the October federal budget. There was the participating charities. include Brazil, France and Korea. Their broad discussion of various actions that work is supporting a range of community Anne Layton-Bennett and Ros Stoddart. had been taken to influence federal MPs, causes. Photographs by Lara van Raayhoto 1: including meetings with representatives,

Chu Vien Hang. Abhishek Mally and Sweta Amatya Mally.

26 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 Cambridge University Alumni (13 August) petitions, motions at Councils, messaging and Lane Cove Rotary (18 August). The South Australia/Northern through distribution of information in first two were by Zoom and last in a room community centres and at markets, with attendees appropriately distanced. Territory talks and letters to local papers. There My argument is that the ABC is in crisis. I hope our members in SA/NT have was also discussion of working with The cuts to its funding, over the past kept safe and sound during COVID-19 like-minded organisations and using 30 years, mean that it is in peril. It has restrictions. Whilst the state committee social media platforms. North Sydney, steadily lost staff, from more than 7000 has not been able to meet physically, the ACT, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, in the mid-1980s to under 4000 now, productive Zoom committee meetings Northern Rivers, Western Sydney and with the impact of the current round of have continued. A new subcommittee, other areas presented reports. There was retrenchments. And yet the ABC does “Alternative Engagement Strategies”, has wide agreement that the meeting had so much more now than 30 years ago. been established to consider different been very worthwhile and more meetings Four TV channels rather than one. Many ways to engage with our membership and are planned. Thanks to all involved in more radio stations. Digital platforms; attract new members. We have also used organising this event. streaming, iview, podcasts and so the Covid-19 time to review some of our Over the past three years, Friends have on. There has been a grievous loss of financial and membership processes. offered internships to university students. talented staff and treasured programs are I was speaker at a Boothby Labor Zoom This has provided the opportunity for cut entirely or cut back. The government’s meeting on 15 July to explain who we students to work on a project of interest cuts are undermining the ability of the are and what we do and I participated in to them and to Friends. An important ABC to fulfil its Charter requirements, to another Zoom meeting on 13 August at benefit for Friends has been thoughtful provide ‘innovative and comprehensive which Shadow Communications Minister, feedback from students. A UNSW broadcasting services of a high standard’. Michelle Roland, spoke on the theme student is about to submit a paper on Further threats to the ABC are the IPA “Save Our ABC”. It was useful to find out Befriending the parents: design of a and News Corp campaign to privatise more about Labor’s support for the ABC. social media campaign to engage the it; government efforts to constrain Sandra Coopman, Andrew Johnston and parents of young children in the fight investigative journalism and the Big Tech I have been busy working on various ABC for the ABC. Friends’ membership and tidal wave that threatens to overwhelm all Friends National sub-committees. Andrew support draws heavily on older cohorts. media. has recently joined me on the merchandise We know that other groups greatly value subcommittee and we are working on the ABC and the challenge is how best Looking ahead, a webinar is planned for 2 the production of a 2021 ABC Friends to encourage these groups to campaign September: Stand Up for the ABC. Kerry calendar. A call to members to provide for the ABC. Parents of small children O’Brien, a frequent contributor to Update, images they took during the bushfires and are one such group. ABC Annual former host of 7.30 and of Four Corners Covid-19 has resulted in a good selection Reports reflect the very high standing of and author of A Memoir, and Emma of the images for the calendar. If you visit their children’s programs and parents’ Dawson, Executive Director of Per Capita, our ABC Friends National website you appreciation. The student’s project looks author of the hard-hitting It’s Our ABC will see that shopping for items (T-shirts, at how social media campaigns might report (May 2020) and formerly senior aprons, tote bags, stickers and badges) is be used to identify and engage with adviser on broadcasting and media to the now a lot easier, just go to “The Friends’ this cohort. She has benefitted from Minister for Communications in the Rudd Shop” on the front page. You’ll soon be discussion with Friends and Committee and Gillard governments, will be leading able to buy the 2021 calendar. members. Thanks to all who have discussion on the challenges facing the provided assistance. ABC and what can be done. Cassandra Sandra Coopman is on the very busy Financial Subcommittee for National and A second project, involving two UTS has organised the event and will be in the on the team for the Post Implementation students, has just started. The students chair as MC. Again, our thanks to her. Review (PIR) of Nation Builder, the data are looking at The Media, truth and This event should not be missed! base which underpins Friends’ national democracy: Research on recent US Also ahead but with no dates yet are activity. When you receive membership experience and lessons for Australia. launches for new branches in the renewal reminders or emails from SA or There is no shortage of material on recent Western Suburbs of Sydney and the National, it is Nation Builder that helps us experience in the US! Papers such as the Shoalhaven. Barry and Bev Redshaw and do that. Washington Post, New York Times and Carmel McCallum respectively are looking Guardian provide detailed examination forward to kinder times in which launches We are very appreciative when members of this subject and Michiko Kakutani’s will be possible. write to their Federal members of The Death of Truth, also provides a Parliament in support of the ABC. Several Finally, a very warm welcome to Anne compelling narrative. Recent submissions members have told me they have written to Australian Senate inquiries into media Matheson who has taken on the role emails about the situation the ABC finds freedom and nationhood, national Identity of Membership Officer. She has been itself in, having to do more things with and democracy also provide a wealth of active in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney less funding. If you are a Facebook user, relevant material. Branch and she has hit the ground following ABC Friends National’s page will running. She has been well assisted by keep you abreast of action taken on behalf I have presented addresses on The ABC Secretary Angela Williamson. of the membership. One post asked your in Crisis to three groups over the past two favourite senator to support an Inquiry months: Macquarie University Graduate Professor Ed Davis AM into ABC Funding 2015-2023. An online School of Management Alumni (21 July), President NSW & ACT

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 27 The caption was suggested by a member filmed in the ABC studios and around State News living near Denmark. Imagine it with Perth by a small, enthusiastic and youthful red, orange, lightening to yellow flames team of skilled ABC staff. The very – or check out our webpage at www. talented presenter had a wonderful rapport petition helped drive this. The inquiry may abcfriends.org.au/wa for a colour picture. with children and would welcome small or may not get off the ground. Or take a trip to see it. groups of kids to the ABC – a valuable We are planning for our state AGM by community engagement for the national Zoom on Sunday 18 October in the Subiaco Markets broadcaster. As with the programs mentioned by Ian, the ABC also tried to afternoon. Please look out for materials We have booked a stall at Subiaco take Rollercoaster east – or at least, that being sent to members to prepare for this Markets on Sat 3 October (8am to 12pm). meeting. We hope to have a good Zoom was the word at the time – but when that The markets are now at 315 Bagot Road, attendance. failed the show was soon cancelled. 100m west of Subiaco Primary School. To end, I’d like to thank all the committee Due to COVID-19 we had to cancel Please come along if you can – volunteers for their contributions over the past year our May Hawke Centre event on Media for the stall welcome! Freedom with guest speaker, Quentin (and for some, over several years). It makes a huge difference when everyone Dempster. We hope to have it in Letter to The West Australian November and will provide more details in pulls together, especially in a very small September. If we can, we will have an End My letter to the West was published on group. So thanks to Cathy Bardon (V-P of Year luncheon to reconnect socially with 26th June 2020 with two other letters in & Secretary), Liz Millward (Treasurer and our membership. support of the ABC and a third not so Membership Officer), Terri Brown (Asst. much, all four under the West’s heading Treasurer), Michael Dowling, Jenny Meyrick Please look out for our monthly short ‘Our right to know is under threat’. My and Janet Matthews – you’ve been great! email Checking the Pulse which we hope letter was headed ‘Cuts are undeserved’ – It has not, of course, been a normal year you find useful. We want to stay in touch see below: and some of the activities we had planned with our Members and Supporters more or were considering have not been regularly and will keep you informed about I heard the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, possible for some or all of the time. With interesting reads, online events coming up on an ABC Radio News bulletin today our AGM coming up, we are asking all of and ABC TV productions you may enjoy. (25th June) say the following: “If you’re our members to consider volunteering for Please feel free to give us feedback about working in the media industry today, if the committee for the 2020/21 term. this initiative. That helps us to prioritise our you’re a journalist today, the safest place activity. for you to be is with the ABC because your Bobbie Mackley revenue is guaranteed in that industry by President, ABC Friends WA We are keen to add to our state committee the government.” It seems to me that this members. If you would like to get involved is a very hypocritical statement considering and help us in our advocacy work for the that the “guaranteed” funding to the ABC proper funding of the ABC and protection Queensland has been cut and cut and cut again by of its independence, please contact me on Queensland, like ABC Friends in his and previous Coalition governments. 0407 035 70. other States, has been inhibited by Just what exactly is guaranteed (apart the COVID-19 requirements. Dr Vicki Sue Pinnock from cuts)? Meanwhile, the ABC Uhlmann, our Secretary, acquired some President ABC Friends SA/NT and has proved itself an essential service A2 and A3 size corflutes as replicas of the National Committee Member throughout the bushfires and continuing familiar car stickers. She then advised our so with the pandemic, and it deserves 500 members that they were available and the government’s thanks for the role it received plenty of orders. We found this has played and is playing, and increased West Australia was a very successful way to get Friends funding rather than cuts and further loss of See separate box for details of the of the ABC signs on fences of domestic experienced and dedicated staff. Annual General Meeting houses in Queensland. We wait, with baited breath, to what the Ross McDowell* government has in store for the ABC in Partners in the Bush – President, ABC Friends Qld Billboard the Budget on 8 October. We have heard rumours of even further cuts. * I work on the land of the ancient Yuggera People and respect their elders past and present. Heading south along Albany Highway in If you have read Ian Parmenter’s letter September? Look out to see our billboard in this newsletter, I was a staffer myself just before Kojonup Airstrip. at the ABC in Perth, including when Consuming Passions was being produced and screened, and for some years after Ian left. Unfortunately, ABC HO over east continued to short change ABC Perth by seeking to move successful Perth productions eastwards. An example is the successful children’s series Rollercoaster. This series of shorts was produced and

28 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 NSW Branch News

community. We continue in our support the Opposition Leader or had already done Armidale for other organisations, such as Armidale so. The recordings made by callers did Sanctuary which supports the settlement not always indicate which electorate the We have had a relatively quiet time of refugees in the New England area. We resident lived in or who they would call. in Armidale, because of COVID-19 consider such groups to be worthy of our restrictions, and this will continue for the Some comments from contacted support. near future. Market attendance is off members included: Dr Bruce Stevenson the agenda and, after Julia Baird agreed ‘Radio is vital when travelling, the ABC President, ABC Friends Armidale to give an October public talk here in gives you news, not propaganda’; ‘Very Armidale, we have unfortunately had to concerned, a Liberal supporter has sent ask her to postpone it until October 2021 a letter to the PM will send another’; ‘Fully and she kindly agreed. Central Coast supportive but feels there are bigger issues It is more a time for reflection. We are In July the Central Coast branch of ABC at present. Hopeful things will improve with thinking about our $500 media prize to Friends undertook a phone campaign Ita in the chair’; ‘I can’t understand why a student graduating with a Bachelor amongst our members. We attempted the Libs attack the ABC’; ’Am at the ninety of Media and Communication at the to follow the model which the Northern point but love the ABC’. University of New England. We are also Suburbs of Sydney branch had conducted A letter has been drafted and by the time questioning whether this is the best earlier amongst its members. Several of publication for this edition of Update use of this money for promoting public meetings were conducted via Zoom prior will have been emailed to those members broadcasting and Friends, and may to the campaign to consult about our who made the commitment to contact be changing to something else with a methodology and approach. We settled their MP, Minister Fletcher or the Prime higher community profile. Current ideas on a group of seven members to conduct Minister. The letter thanks them for their are to award an ABC Friend’s prize to a the calls and they phoned approximately action and sets out an argument to refute final year (HSC) student at the Armidale thirty members each. Each rostered caller the claim ABC Friends and supporters Secondary College, or to organise a public requested that members contact their have received that there are no cuts. We debate each year on issues concerning Federal MP to express their concern about intend to follow up with more phone calls public broadcasting (e.g., the fake news Federal government funding for the ABC. prior to the Federal budget in October. phenomenon and what to do about it) and The results were as follows: We have also attempted to contact to then fund a prize for the contestants. If We attempted to contact 217 people, NSW Senator Deborah O’Neill who is any of our readers have additional ideas on of these 45 were listed as couples. One based on the Central Coast to seek her how to best promote public broadcasting hundred and thirty people agreed to support for establishing a Senate inquiry in the community, please share them. contact the Federal member, PM, cabinet into the impact of ABC funding for the We have also been thinking about the minister or Opposition Leader or indicated current triennial period and for funding Federal funding of the ABC. Despite what that they had already done so. Eight decisions since 2013. Obviously Covid-19 the Federal Minister, Paul Fletcher, has people refused; two were uncertain and restrictions make the arrangement of been saying, the figures show a definite two stated they would pass the message functions and speakers difficult to achieve fall in funding. We don’t understand how on. but enquiries will be made into the possibility of meeting in person perhaps in the Minister can be saying otherwise. As We were unable to contact 55 people the open with appropriate distancing. Two a regional community we notice that ABC who were either emailed or left a message of our members, Klass Woldring and Gillian coverage could be better (one only needs about the request. Fifteen calls were wrong Telford acted as our representatives in the to travel a short distance from Armidale to numbers or the phone was disconnected. recent meeting of all NSW branches held lose the Radio National signal), but in the Of the 130 people who agreed, eight had on zoom. We appreciate their involvement current circumstances we don’t see that already contacted a politician. Six people and the contributions currently being made the ABC is in a position to help us with indicated that they would urge others to by all branches as well as the leadership of this issue when they have a diminishing express their concerns about the ABC. budget. We need to continue lobbying Ed Davis and the NSW committee. From those in agreement, 37 indicated that our local politicians in the hope that the Ross McGowen they had or would contact the member for importance of public broadcasting will be Convenor, ABC Friends, Central Coast recognised by the government of the day. Robertson, Lucy Wicks (LP). Twelve had Our concerns also extend to the potential or indicated that they would contact the impact of reduced funding on future member for Dobell, Emma McBride (ALP). Northern Rivers emergency broadcasting. Three people had or indicated that they would contact the PM. Two had already With Margaret and Ed keeping so many While our primary focus is on the contacted the Treasurer, two had already issues in the public eye nationally, we have importance of public broadcasting, we contacted the Communications Minister tried to do the same at a local level. During are not blind to other activities in our and two stated that they would contact COVID, options are more limited with

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 29 NSW Branch News meetings, markets and the print media greatly curtailed. One exception to the demise of local papers has been the Byron Shire Echo which runs inspired Mungo McCallum commentaries - https://www. echo.net.au/category/articles/mungo/. Our resident ex-Canberra journalist really nailed the argument on the even more critical value the ABC needs to play in the bush, despite sackings and dumbing down of content caused by budget cutbacks. It was great to see that the resultant debate was so well argued by informed, pro ABC correspondents. As therapeutic as it has been over the years to bag the National Party’s Member for Page for his refusal to engage with Kate Reid, Janine Kitson and Lindsay Somerville and before the 3 September ABC Friends, it is fair to record that we meeting with Paul Fletcher. Photograph by Larry McGrath. now have had a response (of sorts). In reply to our budget cuts letter we received During the 3 September meeting, with Mr details about these MPs and the NSoS a reply to the effect as that other media Fletcher’s electoral advisers, we insisted video go to the ABC Friends webpage networks were in trouble, we should be that Mr Fletcher arrange a new time to at: abcfriends.org.au, click ‘Get involved’, grateful for the budget the ABC receives. meet with NSoS to honour his pledge to then click ‘Take Action’ (for the politicians) This made no reference to any local issues the majority of Bradfield constituents who and ‘Honk for the ABC’ (for the video). and we suspect it came from Minister want the ABC to be strong, independent Fletcher’s office. No response has been Please “Like” us and share our new and well-funded; we stressed the need Facebook page . Ask your local school’s received to our letter refuting the more to provide budget security for the ABC P&C to help defend the ABC. ludicrous aspects of the government`s for the upcoming Federal Budget on 6 argument. We still score Mr Hogan’s October, 2020. We asked Mr Fletcher NSoS needs volunteers to distribute our batting average as 0.00. to restore the $84 million cuts to the new flyer. A small prize will go to the most Most will be aware that GetUp! currently ABC’s budget; ensure that there are determined walker! has a campaign to convince less no further cuts; and provide additional Janine Kitson vociferous members of the government funds to ensure the ABC can fully meet Convenor, to support the ABC. We have spoken to its Charter commitments, particularly in Northern Suburbs of Sydney Branch their organiser, given them a background regard to emergency services. We also of our efforts in the same vein and have left a copy of RMIT’s ABC Fact Check to encouraged Northern Rivers Friends to pass on to the Minister and so correct his Western Suburbs of support the campaign. We hope GetUp! misunderstanding that there had been has more success than we did with Mr ‘no cuts’ to the ABC’s budget. We also Sydney WSoS (forming) Hogan. reiterated our request that Mr Fletcher, as ABC Friends (WSoS) new branch lies a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, dormant because, with no return to Peter Dickson move a rescission motion regarding the normality on the horizon, we are unable President, ABC Friends Northern Rivers 2018 Liberal Federal Council motion to to launch it. We are trying to broadening fully privatise the ABC. our potential membership database in the We look forward to sharing the outcome Greater Western Sydney Region and have Northern Suburbs of of this meeting at our NSoS’s Zoom identified around twelve new community Sydney (NSoS) 1st Birthday Party on Friday 9 October, groups and branches who are potential or On 11 October 2019 I wrote to the 5-6pm. We remain optimistic that Margaret politically active. Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Reynolds, President of ABC Friends Revisiting our advertising and venue has Communications, Cyber Safety and the National will be able to report how NSoS’s confirmed that all is in readiness for the actions made a difference to defending our Arts requesting a date and time for a start. We have continued to work on this treasured ABC! meeting. On 24 August 2020 Mr Fletcher despite the likelihood we can’t launch of finally acknowledged this request but The next few weeks are critical. The branch this year but we hope that 2021 regretted he was unable to accept. Mr upcoming Federal Budget on 6 October will improve. Fletcher did acknowledge the importance 2020 will determine the ABC’s future. Paul Blue Mountains branch, independent and of the meeting and, accordingly, arranged Fletcher and your local Federal MPs must adjoining to WsoS, continue to provide for his Electorate Advisers, Luke Bulbrook be kept under constant pressure to save support and advice when required. and Calvin Stead, to meet with Lindsay the ABC. Contact these politicians: Paul Somerville, Kate Reid and myself on 3 Fletcher, John Alexander, Jason Falinski, Beverly and Barry Redshaw September 2020. Julian Lesser, Trent Zimmerman. For Co-convenors WSoS (forming)

30 ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 header: his favourite was Ted Bull (who Steve is also concerned about the pursuit The diversity retired in 2009). When he heard of the of whistle blowers and cited the case latest budget cuts to the ABC he saw of the alleged ADF unlawful killings. He of our red and called the ABC in Albany and the believes government has a responsibility office of the local Federal member, Rick to tell people what’s going on and that Wilson, and joined ABC Friends WA. He the response ‘no comment on operational members says ‘the Libs don’t like the ABC because matters’ is not acceptable in most cases. the ABC uncovers a lot of rubbish. I was He says it is dangerous when so much from across a Young Lib but I wouldn’t join the party fake news is out there on the internet today. What concerns me is we’re getting and people can just hear what they want our wide more like America.’ to hear, and news organisations tailor their news stories to inappropriately and Steve Nicholson has the good fortune unethically influence the thinking of people. brown land to live in Denham, over 800kms north of Perth. The ABC and similar organisations around the world (such as the BBC) are With thanks to Cathy Bardon, Steve works in the conservation field essential for a strong, legitimate, and WA Friends Vice-President, who in Denham, which is the small town stable democracy. He believes free press discovered the viewpoints of these surrounded by the Shark Bay World is essential for democracy in Australia and two regional Australians who are both Heritage-listed property including Monkey the ABC is essential to ensure Australians members of ABC Friends WA. Mia. He joined ABC Friends because know the truth. Steve says the ABC he is concerned that one of our most Terry Duke from Youngs Siding that must remain an independent stand- important institutions, the ABC, is being gorgeous part of the south west, near alone institution to allow the reporting of slowly crushed for political reasons. He Albany. important stories relevant to all Australians values the ABC for its independence, high without fear of prosecution, loss of Terry was originally a teacher, then a farmer standards of journalism and ethics and funding, or loss of staff. at Ongerup north of the Stirlings, then a is comforted that there are intelligent and contractor. He says everyone in the regions fearless people there who care about the Steve listens to RN, News Breakfast, listens to the Country Hour on ABC Local truth. He finds commercial news items News 24, LNL and other ABC podcasts Radio, and of course any emergency biased and poor journalism that are often and local radio. broadcasts. He spent hours listening to influenced by powerful people who have Angela Williamson Local Radio sitting on his tractor or on a their own agenda. Update Production Manager

would be more than a token. The result unionist and was elected to committees was the weekly Coming Out show, a of the Australian Journalists’ Association program produced by women for women and ABC Staff Association. She played a Liz Fell that lasted for 23 years and trained key role in pushing the union to organise many women journalists. Fell authored a freelance journalists who she felt were 1940 – 2020 major report on Equal being ignored. Opportunity in the ABC She reinvented herself as a specialist and was a founder and communications journalist in 1982 and Here are some extracts driving force in the Media became a leader in this field in the next from Wendy Bacon’s Women Workers group. 30 years. She did weekly broadcasts obituary in the Sydney She was a leader in a for ABC Radio National, contributed Morning Herald, 27 August 1975 occupation of the to seminars and wrote submissions 2020 to Liz Fell: Australian Canberra Times during critical of government policies. She feminist, journalist, public a large “Women and was a regular contributor to a number intellectual, teacher and Politics” conference of specialist publications. She was human rights activist attended by 1000 elected a Distinguished Fellow of Fell was a major player in the women. More than the Telecommunications Society of anti-censorship battles of 200 women occupied Australia in 2003 for her notable and the early 1970s. From 1970, the newspaper offices enduring contributions to Australian as the Women’s Liberation in protest against an telecommunications. She won the movement took off and she editorial which Fell George Munster Award for Freelance researched a number of described as epitomising Journalism in 1986. Through all her years ground-breaking programs on sexuality for the “trivialisation, ridicule, and male in the media, Fell continued to teach and commercial television, in 1974. Fell joined stereotyping of women”. She co-drafted produce journalism until she was 73. After the ABC’s late evening program, Lateline. an editorial in response. When it was not she died, scores of ex-students many of Along with Julie Rigg and others, she was published in full, she and a co-author whom became leading journalists, posted determined that the ABC’s contribution to immediately published the full version in on social media recognising her the International Year of Women in 1975 The New Journalist. She was a strong influence on their lives.

ABC Friends National Update, September 2020, Vol 28, No 3 31 Join the ABC Friends There is strength in numbers, and every membership counts at this time of unprecedented attacks on ‘Our ABC’. To join go to www.abcfriends.org.au or phone your local contact below.

ABC Friends ABC Friends National Inc. NSW & ACT South Australia & Northern Western Australia PO Box 3620 Manuka ACT 2603 Ed Davis Territory Bobbie Mackley [email protected] PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Sue Pinnock PO Box 534 Subiaco WA 6904 Phone: 0438 166 986 PO Box 7158 Hutt St Adelaide [email protected] Victoria president_nswact@abcfriends. SA 5000 T: 0422 489 711 (office hours only) org.au PO Box 233 South Melbourne Vic Phone: 0407 035 701 Tasmania 3205 [email protected] Phone: 1300 108 126 Queensland Kate Durkin (Secretary) [email protected] 55 Feltham St North Hobart Ross McDowell Tas 7000 5 Dunn Ct Bunya Qld 4055 Phone: 0447 645 345 Phone: 0418 291 350 (office hours only) [email protected] [email protected] Queensland Regional Branch

Sunshine Coast Charmaine Foley: 0411 880 375 [email protected]

NSW/ACT Regional Branches

ACT Region Eastern Suburbs of Sydney Northern Rivers Riverina Peter Lindenmayer (Convenor) Nizza Siano (Secretary) Jennie Hicks (Secretary) Drew Porter 0497 976 945 02 9327 3423 0431 958 991 02 6922 3813 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Armidale Hunter Byron sub-branch Shoalhaven & South Coast Vic Wright (Secretary) Allan Thomas Tim Mulroy Carmel McCallum (Convenor) 0477 877 315 02 4930 7309 0412 149 106 0414 392 660 (texts preferred) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Blue Mountains Illawarra Tweed sub-branch Southern Highlands Sue Noske (President) Jan Kent (Secretary) Sandy Copley Gill Graham (Convenor) 02 4751 8320 02 4271 3531 0403 375 400 0421 870 982 0421 020 610 [email protected] [email protected] Belinda (interim Secretary) [email protected] [email protected] Mid-North Coast Lismore sub-branch Central Coast Drusi Meggett Therese Crollick Western Suburbs of Ross McGowen 02 6583 8798 02 6628 7297 Sydney 0400 213 514 [email protected] 0403 070 063 Bev and Barry Redshaw (Convenors) [email protected] [email protected] Northern Suburbs of Sydney 0429 492 168 Janine Kitson (Convenor) [email protected] 0428 860 623 [email protected]

Victorian Groups

Like to join a local group or Ballarat Electorate Eastern Melbourne Latrobe electorate be on their mailing list? To Maureen MacPhail Neil: 0411 487 348 Peter Fleming find out more about one in 0476 247 870 [email protected] 0418 557 808 your area: ➞ [email protected] Geelong area [email protected] Not in these areas? Bendigo Electorate Michael: 03 5271 1222 Northern Melbourne Contact Marcus May Nancy Toohey [email protected] Margaret: 0421 338 155 [email protected] [email protected] 0416 009 339 Inner Melbourne [email protected] Boroondara Michael Bond Southern Bayside Gael: 03 9859 5185 0413 315 084 Ivor: 03 9580 6402 as we are setting up new [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] groups. Castlemaine area Inner Western Melbourne Rosie: 0419 767 884 Anne-Maree [email protected] [email protected]