Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. qu a rt e r ly news l e t t e r Jun e - Ju l y 2003 Vol 14, No. 6
in c o rp o ra ti n g ba ck g round briefing national magazine up d at e friends of the abc On Sentry Go Th e Bias Barricades Where the ABC is concerned, you can never afford to lower your guard. Its 70th birthday had been celebrated appro- priately, the Shier era of bad memory was over, Russell Balding was confirmed successor, the Government seemed to be toning down its sometimes strident attacks on the Corporation, outstanding issues were basic, not tumultuous and amongst those of us ‘heaving a sigh of relief’ there was a widespread feeling that we could also draw breath. Wrong! The ‘peace’ was disrupted in May. The ‘rough winds shook’ but for the ABC there was nothing merry or darling about it: With no increase in ABC funding, Cartoon courtesy Clement and The Sydney Morning Herald Russell Balding, with no dilly-dallying, disman- tled ABC Digital TV. The government was Lamenting Digital TV embarrassed and furious. So no sooner had Balding cut, then Senator “The ABC is very disappoint- Santoro (Qld.) launched into a tirade about ed. We argued in a logical, con- “Hard decision” were con- instances of ‘ABC editorial bias’, a proposition sistent and candid manner, th a t fronted swiftly: within days, quantified with his ministerial colleague, Senator without a modest increase in Russell Balding had announced Alston, as a list of 68 allegations of anti- our budget, programs would the closure of ABC Digital TV. Americanisms committed by AM. suffer. It will run only until June 30. Shrewder or illusion-less veterans saw it The Government has decided “The difficult decision has somewhat differently. NSW FABC President to reject that request in the full been made as a result of the Gary Cook noted the Government’s discomfort knowledge that it would have a inability of the ABC to secure over other matters - the GG, the Prime negative effect on ABC pro- funds for these services in this Ministerial wine bill, another Amnesty gramming. The ABC must now year’s Federal budget,” International attack on us and Mr Howard’s assess its position. Hard deci- Balding said. hotel bill in Rome. sions must be made “This is the first of several Continued on Page 6 The Board will need to con- hard decisions the ABC will sider the ramifications...over the make over the coming months coming months. concerning its output.” Inside: President’s Report...... 3 This low-key statement by Friends of the ABC (FABC) Bias Report Continued...... 7 ABC Managing Director, said the closure of national ABC Chairman Writes to Alston...... 7 Russell Balding, was the cor- Digital TV was a blow to the ABC Budget Decline...... 10-11 poration’s initial reply to the ABC’s status, coverage and U.S. Media Ownership Lessons...... 12 Government’s very pointed creativity, but it was a prospect GATS, FTA & SAFTA...... 13 Budget in which the ABC the ABC had foreshadowed, Brunton’s Appointment...... 15 received not one additional subject to funding. ce n t . Continued on Page 5 Page 1 Greg Wilesmith Briefs ABC OnLine Northern Rivers ABC Covered ‘Beef In an age of uncertainty, Australia 2003’ where does the truth lie? Held in Rockhampton, Queensland In late March the Northern Rivers FABC branch 24 April - 4 May, Beef 2003 was a signature event for was addressed by the Executive Producer of the Australian beef industry.The Queensland Country Foreign Correspondent Greg Wilesmith – a meeting Hour team was on-site, and specialist online reporters crowded by Friends, other local people and high covered all the news and colour in Rockhampton. school and university students. Greg spoke about his varied experiences in Brussels, the Balkans, the Middle East and Africa under a universal heading - "The Role of the Foreign Correspondent in an Age of Uncertainty". His comments on conflict in the Gulf Region had particular relevance, given the events then unfolding in Iraq. After his address, question time ran to an hour and he shared some particularly memorable and harrowing moments from an eventful career. The expo included1800 head of cattle representing 30 different breeds,making it one of the largest beef Northern Rivers FABC branch President Neville exhibitions in the world Jennings said after the meeting: ”Those who attended were treated to a first hand account of modern day journalism. Greg gave a timely warning that in an age of uncertainty we should keep in mind that no media source has a monopoly on the truth. We are indebted to him for making time in his busy schedule to share insights on the role of the foreign correspondent with us. We also thank him for addressing a group of journalism It's not all serious beef business just take a look at students and lecturers at Southern Cross University the singing butchers belting out their latest hit, in the afternoon.” Amazing Steak Mr Jennings said the branch planned to run sim- ilar events later in the year in Lismore and Byron Bay. Further details would be posted on the Bathurst Branch branch web site at: http://home.iprimus.com.au/web- formation/friendsabcnr Wearing of the Green FABC Bathurst looked back to the city’s colonial Ce n t r al Coast Bran c h origins this month with an Irish night in a pub, on the eve of Bloomsday. If any blarney was involved it was More Ideas Please! to persuade patrons not only to support the ABC but to sign up and join the Friends. Central Coast FABC is keen to keep its program of an Replete with great Irish food and grog, the encounter with guest speakers going. Two more are evening included prizes and giveaways that were in planned for August and November. Guest speakers are the mood. being arranged. So in the comfort of a roomy, fire-warmed lounge Cost of course is a factor. Central Coast Convenor, (alas, no peat) in the Family Hotel, Bentinck Street, John Hale, says the Committee is exploring methods guests, patriots all, were invited - expected - to of fund raising and invites suggestions from members. entertain with dramatic sketches, verse, readings, 29 members have given the branch their email music and song... impromptu if you liked but featur- addresses; would others who haven’t done so please ing local and national talent, including Blue notify John at [email protected] Mountains FABC president, writer and actor John Derum, well known for many distinguished roles, par- The branch enjoys a venue at no cost in the Central ticularly that of C.J Dennis. Coast Leagues Club - an ideal central location for which the branch is most grateful … but other costs have to be met.
Page 2 content rules in film, television and The President’s Report music as barriers to trade, stated that When our last terms”. This, of course, ignored the fact every effort would be made to preserve edition went to print, that, as minister, Senator Alston on local content but as the negotiations war in the Gulf was coming to office in 1996, carved 12% were in the early stages, all issues had imminent. Of course, from the ABC budget. A recent study to be discussed. Mark Vaile has con- history will record the by Macquarie Bank reveals that AB C sistently said “everything is on the events of March/April 2003 and we funding, in real terms, has fallen by table”. have our personal views of the just- $200 million since 1986. The ABC con- Next year is an election year in the ness or otherwise of that war. tinues to provide more with less US and the powerful industry lobbies resources – but there is a limit to those will be exerting political pressure on It was hardly a surprise though, ef forts. that the Communications Minister, and providing vast sums of money to Senator Alston, should launch into an Immediately after the budget, Th e both political parties. With Au s t r a l i a ’s attack on the ABC program, AM and Australian newspaper issued a particu- economy only 4% of that of the US, the Director of News and Current larly vicious attack on ABC competence our bargaining position is weak. Let us Af fairs, Max Uechritz for what he and balance – a bit rich coming from see how grateful the United States is alleged was a serious anti-American the Murdoch camp after the coverage for Au s t r a l i a ’ s participation in the bias in its coverage of the war. Senator of the Gulf war on its Fox News “Coalition of the Willing”. (Further Alston and his staff trawled through channel. rounds of these talks are in July and tapes of AM from 21 March to 14 Ap r i l , October). At the beginning of May, the long citing more than sixty examples – Another looming challenge in “where it appears that appropriate jour- awaited announcement of the replace- ment on the ABC Board for Michael Australia is the likelihood that the nalistic standards may not have been Government will follow the lead of the upheld”. Kroger was made by the Minister. Pr e d i c t a b l y , in the person of Dr Ron United States in relaxing the cross Most of the allegations are absurd Brunton, another political appointment media ownership laws which presently and totally lacking in objectivity. It has been made. From 1995 – 2001, Dr prevent a media company from owning would be no more difficult to find as Brunton was at the Institute of Public both newspapers and television sta- many examples which, to a reasonable Af fairs, a Melbourne based neo-liberal tions in the one city. Such a move here person, would convey the impression think tank, consistently and openly would concentrate more newspapers of being pro-American or pro-Coalition. antagonistic towards the ABC. and television in the hands of the media moguls with only the AB C Senator Alston readily reminds the On 27 March, the Federal remaining to display independence ABC and the Australian people that the Opposition announced that they would and the ability to undertake true inves- ABC is funded by the taxpayer. adopt a transparent and non-partisan tigative journalism. Perhaps it is now time to deliver a not process for filling Board vacancies Other activities during this period were: so gentle reminder to the Minister that which would be similar to the Nolan ● a regular meeting with ABC State he and his staff are also paid by the rules in the UK. Di r e c t o r , John Graham on 20 March. taxpayer and, as such, should have ● a public meeting in Newcastle on better things to do than embark on During May, talks resumed in 2 April organised by the Hunter witch hunts. Staff of the ABC are also Hawaii between representatives of better served in creating and delivering Australia and the U.S. in negotiating a Branch at which 2 Federal politicians quality public broadcasting than Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Th e r e attended. The theme was AB C answering the Minister’s baseless alle- are many issues which will have far- Triennial Funding and the Hunter gations. reaching effects on life in this country Branch deserves congratulations for to which we have become accustomed. their initiative. The AB C ’ s charter dictates that it is Negotiations have been carried out ● attendance at an address by histo- accountable to Federal Parliament, not behind closed doors which immediate- rian, Professor Ken Inglis entitled the Government of the day, as Senator ly heightens our suspicions, and once “Aunty at Seventy – a Health Report Alston asserts, and nowhere in that agreement is reached, remember that on the ABC” – a forthcoming book. charter is the ABC obliged to echo or it only goes to Federal Cabinet to be ● ABC Local Radio Awards at support the opinions or policies of the ratified – the Parliament is bypassed – Darling Harbour. United States administration. just as it was with the recently ratified Australia – Singapore FTA. As you can see, the ABC remains Preceding the Minister’s attack on under threat. Its funding is inadequate, the independence of the ABC, due to Trade Minister, Mark Vaile, in a its independence is regularly being the Government ignoring the AB C ’s speech made in Canberra on 23 May, attacked and your ongoing support is Triennial Funding submission for addi- said that “we have made clear that we valued in maintaining your member- tional funds, it was forced to axe its will not compromise fundamental ship, recruiting new members and let- multichannel television services, FLY objectives in health care, education, ting the government know that unjusti- TV and ABC Kids. consumer protection and cultural iden- fied attacks on the ABC will not go tity”. Yet, Communications Minister unanswered. Senator Alston sought to blame Alston, on the ABC Insiders program Gary Cook, the ABC for the closure of its digital just over a week later, when asked President television channels by claiming that about the US challenging Au s t r a l i a n funding had been maintained in “real
Page 3 Hunter Valley Branch Tracking Down a Dollar Hunter Branch staged a Forum on CAMPAIGNING Funding inspired by the risk of the Iraqi We are updating our data base of members willing war draining off money needed not only to be involved in political campaigning for the ABC but for other decent things like on behalf of the Friends. social security, health and education. But as Branch president Hank Willems re- marked in that list :“our ABC is precious.”
There was a good roll up, with more than 40 people and several MPs and spe- ci a l guest NSW FABC President, Gary Cook present. We need to be ready to take the initiative or respond to issues relating to the ABC, particularly The focal point of the evening was Allan Thomas’s analysis of the way the ABC leading up to and during election campaigns. has been funded over the last 30 years or so - (see Page 10) Please contact our Membership Secretary, Carolyn Green, by e-mail at Dr Thomas concluded that from its peak [email protected] funding in 1985 of 12 cents a day per head of population, ABC funding was now or by phone on down to about 7 cents a day. 9144 1351 or write to her at PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW 2059 Of the Federal politicians invited for the to register your name and contact details. evening, only the Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, and the Member for Charlestown, Kelly Hoare, attended. If you have previously indicated that you are willing to assist, please re-register your intent. Each spoke of their perception that the ABC was significantly in need of proper funding, but weren’t prepared to put a fig- – REMEMBER – ure on it. What they were positive about We are not a party political organisation. was the introduction of a more transparent method of selecting ABC board members, along the lines of Britain’s Nolan Rules. Gary Cook, also spoke on the need for better funding for the ABC. He stressed the threats posed by a possible free trade agreement with the US. “We must keep a close eye on negotiations that could spell an end to local content and local produc- tion.” he said. Great Lakes Friends Meet your Local Federal Member The Forum welcomed Martin Babahkan, who handles weather forecasting for Bob Baldwin MP Newcastle local radio. Martin put his ideas And Seek Answers as to Why the Federal on educating the public, farmer communi- Government continues to Erode the ties in particular, about coping with Funding of the ABC droughts, curbing salinity and seeing an important future role for the ABC in the Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club promotion of these goals. Strand Street Forster The meeting carried a resolution of ‘first Saturday 26th July 2003 - 2.00pm principles’ regarding the legally binding character of the ABC charter and the Grahame Burns Board’s task of management in accord President Great Lakes Friends branch. with the Charter; the crux of it was that “once a Government charges a Board with a set task, it cannot ethically deny the funding required for the execution of that task.”
Page 4 Lamenting Digital TV digital TV, ” Mr Cook said. “Digital TV has gone and with it Sad Day as Fly Falls Continued from Page 1 at least 38 jobs.” I was shocked The SMH’s Cosima Marriner and appalled to “As a major medium of the described it thus: “The latest hear that the AB C future, digital TV in Australia has accusation of bias is the govern- has axed the youth- been a creation of the ABC - on- ment’s thinly veiled attempt to oriented digital line documentaries, children’s seek retribution for the ABC’s channel Fly TV. program, cartoons, music pro- decision to axe its digital multi- grams interlinked with audience channels.” I have had the participation, multi-dimensional, distinct privelege of working with peo- NSW FABC President, Gary and interactive, including pro- ple at Fly over the past few months Cook, said “We Friends can only grams made as co-productions through a program that allowed stu - support Mr Balding’s decision, with the AFC and the Victorian dents to interview politicians such as particularly if it serves to protect and South Australian Film Defence Minister Robert Hill, mainstream programming and Commissions; quite a number of Education Minister Brendan Nelson services.” them nominated at International and next week's guest Prime Minister TV Festivals and several were John Howard. “The government pushed for award-winners.” the ABC to convert to digital Now that Fly TV is gone, where will broadcasting as a step forward “Now I wonder where else the young people go to be informed on and as something of a pace set- Government’s budget is going to youth issues? None of the commercial te r for commercial broadcasters, cut into ABC programming?” Mr channels seem to care about young but without extra funding to do so.” Cook said. “We are left in trepi- people unless they are interested in dation that more losses are in "extreme" programming. Only Fly TV “The ABC’s request for extra the offing. was interested enough, and now it is money included funding to cover gone. digital TV establishment and Stories about New Media, expand the service; instead the were being ‘set’ for this issue This has been a sad day for the youth government ignored the request. as Mr Balding’s announcement of Australia. was made. They’re now ”Make no mistake it’s the gov- marked with a wreath. Simon Atkinson, Holt, ACT ernment that’s shut down ABC Letter in The Daily Telegraph 28 May 2003 When Your Audiences Are All Inclusive, as are the ABC’s In Black and White Here’s an offer you surely Being run in rounds, the com- Cancelling the digital channels can’t refuse - $15,000 to make a petition, in June, is open for exposed ABC managing director Russell music video. Round 4 entries. In round 3, the Balding to the wrath of Communications songs to create clips for were; Minister Senator Richrd Alston. The ABC New Media and triple J in 'The Bomb' by The Fuzz, 'You partnership with the South Australian’s Luke McIlveen identified the are Expendable' by Yunyu and move as”blatantly political”. “When the Australian Film Commission are 'Evil Knieval' by Ikey Mo. seeking innovative individuals or digital channels were established two teams who will each receive MP3 versions of the current years ago, Alston hailed the ABC’s ini- $15,000 to create a multi-plat- songs are on 4 Minute Wonders tiative in promoting digital television. form music video clip for one of Australia at “The failure to generate consumer triple j's 'unearthed' music final- ht t p : / / a b c . n e t . a u / 4 m i n u t e w o n d e r s . interest in high-definition TV since then ists. The South Australian Film has plagued the minister... The Sun The winning clips will be Corporation (SAFC) and ABC Herald’s Brian Toohey said: “Alston’s shown on ABC Online and on New Media say the first rounds crude attack on the ABC should be dis- ABC TV's Saturday Morning fly of 4 Minute Wonders Australia missed as a display of blatant political TV program. have been a wonderful success, bias from a minister in trouble over digi- with more than 150 entrants tal TV.” The competition, first choosing offering a great range of cre- the best proposed treatments, is And the Herald Sun editorialised: ative, innovative and inspired “Digital TV is an area on which Senator open to all South Australian resi- video clip treatments. dents, but particularly people Alston has conspiciously failed to deliv- working, or aspiring to, in new Entry forms to submit con- er” and urged him not to delude himself media, design, animation, multi- cepts are available on that “thought police and financial black- media, film and associated http://abc.net.au/4minutewonders mail are the answer”. areas, to boost those skills in but ring ABC to see if it’s still from The Weekend Australian that state. on . 7-8 June 2003
Page 5 Alston’s American Defence Lands in a Minefield To what and to whom does the ABC owe its loyalty and cess and the independence of the ABC, turned down its answers? Kennedy’s belated job application…Russell Balding was appointed. Let’s take a step back and the space to consider Senator Alstons’s extraordinary complaint in a wider con- A few weeks ago the campaign against the ABC text. For South Australian friend, Joan Laing, the implica- resumed...the Howard Government’s appointment of Ron tions for the future of the ABC were “extremely serious”. Brunton to the ABC board. WA’s Roger Raven concluded that “Alston seeks to drive the issue to attack the ABC’s independence – “the cam- Shortly after (the) appointment an attack on the ABC paign is not going to stop; the government is only inter- was mounted, for no apparent reason, by The Australian. est in winning.” Gary Cook said Alston was “embarking An editorial of May 22 (re left-wing bias) suggested that on a taxpayer-funded witch hunt.” to save money the ABC get rid of Radio National…of interest only, it claimed, to the aging baby boomer left. Those of us who took comfort from public outrage, firm ABC rebuttals and a satirist’s field day were appalled This struck me as a genuinely outrageous suggestion. however to hear Alston counter-attack, demanding more In its range and depth, Radio National is one of the finest evidence ‘for the defence’ from the ABC, contradicting achievements of contemporary Australian culture. an Auditor General’s report and – ominously – declaring “I am not spelling out a definitive blueprint at this point Four days after this editorial a detailed attack on the of time.” political independence of the ABC was launched at an estimate hearing by Senator Santo Santoro of the There were two providential replies – one from the Queensland Liberal Party. ABC Chairman and the other from Robert Manne in the Fairfax newspapers in an article of chilling perception, The main target of the attack was the head of ABC but one in which everything seemed to fall into place. news and current affairs, Max Uechtritz. Santoro asked Balding to explain why Uechtritz had described the mili- The right in Australia is growing greedy. It is not tary as “lying bastards” in a remark to an overseas con- enough for them that we have the most conservative ference many months ago. government in Australia for over 40 years. Nor is it enough that views of which they approve are disseminat- (He – Santoro – asked Balding to investigate ed daily in the popular press, on talkback radio and on Lateline, Four Corners and AM.) commercial television. Two days later Senator Alston used a dossier on AM to show how anti-Americanism had distorted the ABC’s It appears that they will not be satisfied until one of coverage of (the Iraq) war. He demanded an urgent the most important sources of independent opinion in this investigation. country, the current affairs arm of the ABC, has finally been brought to heel. In Alston’s dossier the claim that “the city’s hospitals are over-stretched” or that the tasks before the coalition For a long time the right’s campaign against the sup- commanders were “becoming increasingly complicated posed left-wing bias of the ABC has been led by the on a number of fronts” are provided as examples of anti- Melbourne neo-liberal think tank, the Institute of Public American bias! Affairs…(whose)…then IPA Fellow with special responsi- bility for the media (was) Michael Warby. The war against Iraq was mounted on the basis of claims Saddam Hussein was a new Adolf Hitler (threat- “If the current attempt to reform the ABC fails, “Warby ening) not merely Iraqi people but the US and Britain argued, “if the collective wins yet again, if yet another (and) he was developing a nuclear capacity and already attempt at imposing accountability by management is had at his disposal a vast arsenal of weapons of mass defeated by the ABC collective, then it must be smashed destruction of a chemical and biological kind. A month- and replaced as the principal public broadcaster.” and-a-half after the fall of Baghdad, no weapons of mass destruction have been found. For the right, the most important move to ‘reform’ the ABC came with the appointment of the hapless and The most important role of the media is to ques- hopeless Jonathan Shier as managing director. Shier tion the truthfulness of government. Never has the must be regarded as one of the right’s more spectacular need for a fearless and independent Australian media recent own goals. been more vital. Never has a more calculated assault on the independence of the ABC been mounted than Following his removal there was an attempt to recover in the past week. Never has the public defence of the lost ground by the imposition as managing director of ABC mattered more. (Emphasis ours - Ed.) Trevor Kennedy of Packer media. The attempt misfired. The chairman of the ABC board, Donald McDonald, a true conservative and thus a genuine believer in due pro-
Page 6 The Bias Barricades The ABC’s Chairman writes – Continued from Page 1 “Dear Minister, ● Completion of a major review of “When an attack alsatian bares its Editorial Policies, overseen by a I am writing in teeth at the ABC,” Cook said, “you Board sub-committee chaired by response to your let- can be sure a defensive Govern- John Gallagher QC, and approved ter of 5 June 2003. ment is looking for a diversion.” by the Board. The revised policies You will recall that the were introduced in August 2002. One core issue centred on Auditor-General in his ‘qualifications’ AM placed on some report found no evidence to indicate ● Public disclosure each quarter of assertions by the US military; but that the ABC did not comply with its the volume and nature of audience given the then competition between Charter requirements. contacts, including complaints. the UN, the US and intelligence The ANAO considered that the ● Monthly governance reports to agencies to be believed, Alston’s ABC’s News and Current Affairs the Board from each Executive complaint was a brave one. He Division has effective procedures Director of the Corporation (includ- could not have imagined the and practices in operation that assist in g ) adherence to Editorial firestorm he was to stir up. The it to deliver news and current affairs Policies. response was ferocious. programs that reflect the Charter Mike Carlton ridiculed Alston’s requirements of independence, accu- You are aware that the ABC last “attack on your ABC shooting to racy and impartiality…The distinction year re-commenced a contractual new heights of absurdity”, “deli- between factual news and analytical arrangement with Newspoll to under- ciously loopy - a document of plod- material or comment…is acknowl- take an annual survey of Australian ding fatuity and nitpicking para- edged in the Division which has suit- community perceptions of the work noia.” Adele Horin was more for- able arrangements designed to ensure which the ABC, in accordance with mal: satisfactory differentiation of the two Recommendation 9 of the ANAO Report. Eight out of ten respondents formats, for the achievement of the “The ABC’s charter sets out the in 2002 believed the ABC was bal- legislated requirements of indepen- many functions of our national anced and even-handed when dence, accuracy and impartiality. broadcaster. But nowhere does it reporting news and current affairs. require the ABC to favourably I wish also to recall your letter to reflect the opinion of the current US me of 14 May 2002 about the ANAO Your criticism of the Newpoll sur- administration. Richard Alston has Report, in which you said “I am vey commissioned by the ABC was overstepped the mark. Improperly pleased that the report is positive premised on the notion that “the bulk and incorrectly he has claimed the about ABC improvements in gover- of the population do not watch or lis- ABC is ‘accountable to nance, accountability and bench- ten to ABC News and Current Affairs Government’.” marking…the ABC has significantly on a regular basis.” I feel it is neces- sary for me to challenge that asser- improved over the last two years in “This is scary stuff coming from tion, which would appear to be areas such as its annual report, its the minister in charge of communi- inconsistent with any currently avail- Outcome/Outputs framework and its cations. The ABC is accountable able audience data…Over 13 million corporate plan. The report confirms under law to parliament, not the people watch ABC television at least this.” government, and ‘by law and con- once a week, more than 6.5 million vention neither government nor Your apparent change in senti- people listen to ABC radio at least parliament seeks to intervene in ment now is surprising…. once a week, and in excess of 1 mil- editorial and program decisions.” lion people use ABC On-line monthly. In your letter of 14 May 2002 By any standard, this surely consti- The Herald’s and The you suggested that a central body be tutes “regular” use … Australian’s letter columns were established, within the ABC, inde- brimming with bile. Here’s a taste: pendent of program makers and pro- I seem to have far greater faith duction areas to deal with audience than you in the capacity of ABC audi- ✱ Will the government’s inquiry feedback...As you are aware, the ences to make reasonable assess- into the ABC be conducted by the ABC introduced enhanced com- ments about news and current affairs House Un-American Activities plaints handling procedures in broadcasts…You do not seem to Committee? August 2002.Press reports at the recognise or acknowledge the sub- time quoted your spokesman as say- stantial body of reform work which ✱ Born in the US, I detect the ing that the government supported the ABC has undertaken. odour of bovine faeces…in Alston’s the changes and that you were attack. His threat to cut funding pleased with them… In view of the level of interest in reminds me of Senator Joe public accountability and the role of McCarthy’s vicious campaign ...In addition...the Board has made the ABC, I will also be releasing this against the ‘liberal’ American other significant improvements since letter publicly. media. the release of the ANAO report: (signed) Continued on Page 8 Donald McDonald Chairman
Page 7 A National Treasure: A Flash in the Radio National’s Social History Unit Can The Unit was founded in 1986, on a series presents the story of northern wave of pre-Bicentennial interest in Australia in relation to the rest of the The ABC does most things well, the real-life stories of Australia. It continent, from the north looking and how well it does when it was particularly inspired by Taim south rather than the other way. excels! Bilong Masta, Tim Bowden’s wonder- ful sprawling series on the Australian Bill says that as the Social History The ABC Online 'Game On' web- colonial experience in Papua New Unit evolved in the ‘90s its focus site has won 'Best Game' category Guinea, fueled by the memories of broadened to include not only the for one of its programs, 'Kelman to patrol officers, public servants, stories of so-called ordinary people, the Rescue' at Canada’s interna- explorers, miners, wives and children most of them extraordinary, but also tional Flash in the Can awards. It who had done their time up north the broader context of our history, was also chosen for screening at a over the previous fifty years looking at migration, the effects of Spanish Web Festival in war and, in more recent times, envi- Barcelona. The emphasis in the early years was ronmental and social histories of the to capture the day-to-day details of regions. times past, everyday stories of Kelman to the Rescue, one of five everyday people. Early series looked For Jane Connors, for those of us ‘Game On’ site games, each one at memories of bush schools, avia- lucky to have worked in the unit, the commissioned and funded by Film tors, miners, soldiers, migrants, fabulous thing is the opportunity to Victoria and ABC New Media and women, Aboriginal people - trying meet people from every kind of Digital Services, was created by always to cover as much of the background, visit their homes and Melbourne illustrator Nathan country as feasible and to reach hear their stories. The extent to Jurevicius. It’s an adventure story back into the past as far as possible. which they are prepared to share with an environmental theme in a their memories, often painful and pri- number of episodes. As well as its major series (including vate moments, and then trust us to POW: Australians Under Nippon, broadcast them with respect, is hum- The boy hero, Kelman, disabled Being Aboriginal, The Snowy, , bling. after a tragic skateboarding acci- Minefields and Miniskirts: Women in dent, is visited by a bug guru, who Vietnam and Unfinished Business: The Unit, which has won national tells him the local bug colony is Federation, Republicanism and and international awards, is unique being attached by a group of evil Reconciliation) the Unit has recorded in public broadcasting. There is plen- bugs. Kelman becomes a super- thousands of interviews that have ty of history broadcast in other coun- hero for a small world, riding on fly- served as the basis of hundreds of tries, but the ABC’s Unit is the only ing bugs and borrowing grasshop- one-off documentaries on other specialist unit dedicated to Social per legs to save the colony from aspects of Australia’s history. History, where producers can learn extinction. The supplementary and practice the art of oral history, message is how we can all do The Unit’s interests and emphases and an audience can tune in from things to help ‘save’ our environ- have broadened over the years. week to week with a guarantee of ment. There is great diversity in the topics learning something about the coun- and people covered on Hindsight try’s history directly from its partici- Exquisitely animated, Kelman to (which has shifted its focus to more pants and witnesses. the Rescue features Dylan Lewis recent history - often throwing new as the voice of all the characters light on current events), Verbatim (from “inside the ABC”) and the music is by Spiderbait. (stories of ordinary people) and Extra features on the ‘Game Street Stories examining the contem- On Radio National: Hindsight 2pm On’site include the creation of porary scene. Sun & 1pm Thurs, Verbatim at 5pm Kelman, original sketches and sto- Sat, Street Stories 5.30pm Sat & ryboards, and shots of Dylan Lewis In recent years, the Unit has covered 10.15pm Fri. and Spiderbait in the studio creat- histories of bush-walking, shopping ing the characters, voices and centres, nursing, crime, zoos, subur- music. Drop in on bia, travelling, nuclear testing, the http://abc.net.au/gameon Catholic rural movement, shipbuild- ing, the theatre and the rag trade. The 'Game On' site has been exceedingly popular since it went A founding members, Perth-based live in March. It is receiving around Bill Bunbury, worked on the produc- 140,000 hits a week and is attract- tion of the current six-part series, ing attention from the national and View from the North, for over a year international game and animation with historian Geoffrey Bolton. The industry.
Page 8 A Flash in the Can
The ABC does most things well, studio creating the characters, voices but how well it does when it excels! The boy hero, Kelman, disabled and music. Drop in on after a tragic skateboarding accident, http://abc.net.au/gameon The ABC Online 'Game On' web- is visited by a bug guru, who tells site has won 'Best Game' category him the local bug colony is being The 'Game On' site has been for one of its programs, 'Kelman to attached by a group of evil bugs. exceedingly popular since it went live the Rescue' at Canada’s internation- Kelman becomes a superhero for a in March. It is receiving around al Flash in the Can awards. It was small world, riding on flying bugs and 140,000 hits a week and is attracting also chosen for screening at a borrowing grasshopper legs to save attention from the national and inter- Spanish Web Festival in Barcelona. the colony from extinction. The sup- national game and animation industry. plementary message is how we can all do things to help ‘save’ our envi- Sadly this is viewers’ last chance Kelman to the Rescue, one of ronment. to see it. ABC Online closes June 30. five ‘Game On’ site games, each one commissioned and funded by Film Exquisitely animated, Kelman to Victoria and ABC New Media and the Rescue features Dylan Lewis as Digital Services, was created by the voice of all the characters and Melbourne illustrator Nathan the music is by Spiderbait. Extra fea- Jurevicius. It’s an adventure story tures on the ‘Game On’site include with an environmental theme in a the creation of Kelman, original number of episodes. sketches and storyboards, and shots of Dylan Lewis and Spiderbait in the
In Memory of the Pickle Farmer A group of former ABC colleagues and musicians Mike Hayes who enjoyed work and friendship with the late Mike “The Pickle Farmer” Hayes, the Prickle Farmer, are to stage a Memorial Concert at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Memorial Concert Auditorium, Woden, in0. August Southern Cross Club Auditorium, The Concert will coincide with the launch of Mike Woden, ACT Hayes’ final book , ‘Angry Skies’, co-authored by a retired RAAF Wing Commander Ken Lewellen, a recol- Saturday, 9 August -7.30 pm lection of wartime experiences by RAAF fighter pilots Tickets, a very reasonable $15 each, and aircrew who fought in World War Two. are available from the Southern Cross Club, Mike completed the manuscript just prior to his Phone 02 6283 7200. death. For further information Phone 02 6296 4880. The Concert will pay tribute to and highlight his achievements and the contributions he made as an ABC journalist, author, songwriter and musician.
Mike was the creator of the popular “Prickle Farmer” series on ABC radio for many years and FABC (NSW) Inc. Executive Committee enjoyed considerable prominence in the Australian President - Gary Cook country music industry as a songwriter and musician in Phone: 9810 3358 Fax 9144 1351 th e genre of progressive country music. VP & Secretary- Lilliane Leroy Phone 9969 5159 Mobile 0402 831 244 Email: [email protected] The Concert will feature a selection of television vignettes, interspersed with a selection of live music Treasurer - Peter Burke Phone 9144 2668 performances showcasing many of Mike’s music com- email [email protected] positions. Membership Secretary - Carolyn Green Phone 9144 1351 or 0417 650 443 Performers will include Anne Kirk-patrick, leg- [email protected] endary Australian country rock band ‘Cactus Jack’, fid- Editor Brian Davies dle virtuoso Marcus Holden, guitarists Dave O’Neil and Phone 9977 7130 Scotty Ingram, The Borderers and many more. email [email protected]
Page 9 The Govt Rebuffs ABC - Friends of ABC Stage Funding Forum Year 2001 dollars to run until 2006 Facing Financial Facts It’s almost as certain as the Melbourne Cup, an ABC Friend from the Hunter Branch, Dr Allan Th o m a s , Ashes series, or an Archibald prize, it will occur and it ha s undertaken a breakdown of sometimes conflicting, will attract intense public interest, often controversy. often misleading figures to unravel some authentic statistics But in the case of the ABC’s budget it almost inevitably brings with it - grief. For instance, the government claimed to have increased ABC funding from $522.2M in 1995/96 to $715.3M in 2001/02. But the $522M did not include the Why would this year’s triennial funding decision be transmission costs; whereas in the 2001/02 figure of any different? The Howard government does not $715.3M it does. exactly enjoy a love affair with the corporation - dis- tant echoes of the Shier era and more, very recent, Next, a Capital-Use Charge, introduced with the ones spring to mind. Accrual Budgeting in 1999/2000 and levied on Commonwealth authorities and agencies to reflect the Commonwealth’s investment in those entities meant that In the leadup to dthis year’s event, “ABC program- in 2001/02 the government provided an additional ing and coverages must be in doubt” Russell Balding $64.1M to the ABC to provide for this levy. But it was not warned, repeatedly. actually available to the ABC for broadcasting purposes – Future ABC programing and coverages must be in only for paying the levy! doubt; Balding has repeatedly warned that without an Other amounts in 2001/02 which should not be included increase some would have to go. ar e : ● A $46.5M one-off grant for digital conversion which The ABC had sought an extra $250 million over the was a mandatory requirement by the government. next three years to increase local television content and ● A $20M repayable loan. upgrade its digital television capababilities. ● $18M for the new overseas Australia Television service The government’s phrase ‘maintaining funding’ is a fairly dubious one, even in ‘real terms’, between now and Deducting all these and similar items from the 2006; the allocation is also the bare minimum the $715.3M, the nett funding in 2001/02 actually reduces to Government could give the ABC without breaking the $493.3M, so instead of an apparent increase from campaign undertaking it made in 2001, one that seems $522.2M in 1995/96 to $715.3M in 2001/02 there was in to just scrape into the category ‘core’. fact a nett decrease to $493.3M, a reduction of 6%. Commmunications Minister, Senator Alston, spoke - In fact, ABC core funding has remained approximately smoothly reassuring - of the funding enabling the ABC “to static since 1990, while the figure below shows that in continue to educate and entertain its audiences, through- real (1998/99) dollar terms the ABC’s core funding has out Australia and internationally.” steadily decreased since its peak in 1985/86. (The cross indicates the modest increase currently requested by the
Friends of the ABC spokesperson Darce Cassidy ABC for 2003/04.) 3 FIGURE
said: “The government seems to have a problemFUNDING with GOVERNMENT CORE ABC
understanding figures...figures produced by the DOLLARS ABC CORE1998/99 GOVERNMENT FUNDING Macquarie Bank show that since 1986, ABC funding, in 19998/99 DOLLARS
real terms, has fallen by 200 million dollars.” 800 TOTAL GOVT FUNDING GOVT TOTAL “To be fair to the government, a significant part of that 700 reduction was made by Labor. Then the Coalition broke
an election promise and cut another 12% from the ABC’s 600
budget, in one hit, on top of the Labor cuts.” REQUEST ABC
2003/04
500 “The figures speak for themselves. Since 1986 $200 X
million has been cut from the ABC budget. In that time
CORE FUNDING CORE the ABC has introduced a new radio network, 400
NewsRadio, and two digital TV channels, Fly TV and LESS FUNDING GOVT
TRANSMISSION COSTS TRANSMISSION
Kids TV. ABC Online has been established as one of CHARGE CAPITAL-USE 300
REPAYABLE LOANS REPAYABLE Australia’s most frequented web sites. The productivity of GRANTS ONE-OFF
ABC staff has gone through the roof.” MILLIONS - 1998/99 DOLLARS 200
“Unless the government faces facts, the ABC can’t continue this way. Something - or someone - will have to 100
give.”
LAB COALITION LABOR COALITION
OR 0
1995 1985 1975 2000 1990 1980 1970 2005
Page 10 The population of Australia has increased from 12.8 million Dr Thomas’ final graph (below) shows total ABC funding in 1970 to around 20 million today, an increase of over (core funding plus non-government funding – ie, ABC 55%. Other things being equal the government must be merchandising income) on a cents per day per capita collecting a similar increase in taxes. (Given the GST basis. Total ABC funding has decreased by 1.6 cents per almost certainly considerably more!) So the ABC is day per capita or 15% since the present government
required to service the larger population. So, under these came into office. circumstances, it is not unreasonable to consider ABC 6 FIGURE
funding on a cents per day per capita basis as shown inCAPITA PER DAY PER CENTS
the next graph in 1998/99 dollar terms. FUNDING GOVT NON INCLUDING
FIGURE 4 4 FIGURE
13
ABC CORE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FUNDING GOVERNMENT CORE ABC
1998/99 DOLLAR BASIS DOLLAR 1998/99 12
ABC REQUEST ABC 11
2003/04 12
10
11
9
X
10
8
9
7
ABC REQUEST ABC
2003/04
8
6
7
X 5
6 4
5 3
2 4
1 3
CENTS PER DAY CAPITA (1998/99 DOLLAR BASIS) 0 2
1985 1975 1970 2005 2000 1990 1980 1995
LAB COALITION LABOR COALITION
CENTS PER DAY HEAD OF POPULATION 1 OR
0
1985 1975 1970 1990 1980 1995 2000 2005 SUMMARY It shows that ABC government funding reached a peak ● Government funding to the ABC has been falling 11.3 cents per day per capita in 1985. Currently it is just steadily since 1985. over half this amount at 6.4 cents per day per capita ● The present government claims to have increased (1998/99 dollar terms). The cross indicates the modest funding since it came to office. But this apparent increase currently requested by the ABC for 2003/04. increase is illusory since it includes such items as
Transmission Charges, Capital-Use Charge, grants for FIGURE 5 5 FIGURE additional new services such as digital televison and
ABC FUNDING INCLUDING INCLUDING FUNDING ABC the overseas Australia TV service, and repayable
NON GOVT FUNDING GOVT NON loans. When these are removed core government
800 funding has remained roughly constant over the 8
TOTAL CORE PLUS CORE TOTAL years of the present government.
NON GOVT NON
ABC REQUEST ABC
700 ● 2003/04 But after allowing for inflation core funding has
decreased by about 15% over this period. The ABC is X 600 asking for a modest $47M increase next year which
would lower the reduction from 15% to 12%. 500 ● On a per capita real dollar basis government funding
X has decreased by 45% since 1985 and by 20% since
CORE GOVT FUNDING GOVT CORE
400 the present government came to office.
300
MILLIONS - 1998/99 DOLLARS 200
NON GOVT FUNDS GOVT NON
100
0
2000 2005 1995 1990 1980 1985 1970 1975
Page 11 A ‘Wake Up Call’ From America’ Pressing on The Americans are media entities -- to provide the infor- Down Under heading down an mation and ideas that make democ- Whatever eventuates in the United Australian path an d racy happen. States, the Australian Government is not all are particularly At 1:30 on a cold January night, a moving to lift the ban on A u s t r a l i a n happy about it. train containing hundreds of thou- media proprietors owning more than Far from it. While the Bush sa n d s of gallons of toxic ammonia one newspaper, radio or TV station in Administration this month argued derails in Minot, North Dakota. Town the same metropolitan market…even if that it was okay for the U.S. Federal officials try to sound the emergency it takes a double dissolution to do it. Communications Commission to alert system, but it isn't working. Desperate to warn townspeople about relax media ownership laws, so that Speaking at an Australian the poisonous white cloud bearing owners could own more, a communi- Broadcasting Authority conference down on them, officials call their local ty storm broke in Canberra, Senator Alston radio stations. But no one answers warned that a double dissolution In prospect: American’s local TV any of the phones for an hour and a might be the only way to push the stations, newspapers, radio station half. According to the New York proposed new media ownership and cable proviers could all be Times, three hundred people are laws through the Senate. owned by one company. “Deeply hospitalized, some are partially blind- destructive of democracy” com- ed, and pets and livestock are killed. If the Senate blocks it twice plained one critic. Where were Minot's DJs? Where after an interval of three months, A leading opponent is the ‘on was the late night station crew? As it the bill becomes a trigger for a line’ MoveOn organisation whose turns out, six of the seven local radio double dissolution. “If that hap- report this is: stations had been purchased by pens, so be it. There’s not much Clear Channel, a radio giant with we can do except in the context of After the FCC and Congress over 1,200 stations nationwide. the next election,” Senator Alston (previously) relaxed radio ownership Economies of scale dictated that said. rules, corporate giant Clear Channel most of the local staff be cut: Minot Communications swept in and stations ran more or less on auto The Senate independents are bought hundreds of stations. Clear pilot. No one answered the phone concerned about further concentra- Channel has used its might to sup- because hardly anyone worked at tion of media ownership in fe w e r port pro-war political rallies and con- the stations any more. Minot's night- hands and a lessening of diversity. servative talk shows, keep anti-war mare may become our national reality. songs off its stations, coerce musi- The Senate debate was due to cians into playing free promotional Our Right to Know resume this month with the concerts, and bully them into per- Government needing four extra forming at its music venues. In many Why did the media do such a poor job of reporting on the Iraq war? The votes in the chamber to pass the towns that used to have a diverse new law. array of radio options, Clear Channel boosterism of news anchors, the is now the only one on the dial. suppression of antiwar views, and the sanitized images of war (in the) The Sydney Morning Herald’s Cosima Marriner Marriner claimed Why worry about who television coverage are not matters owns the Media? of bias or ineptitude, says media the Government was close to doing analyst Danny Schechter. He draws a deal with independent Senators Mergers are decreasing cover- Meg Lees and Len Harris. “Senator age of local political races, local attention to the connection between the decisions made by journalists Shayne Murphy is holding out for small businesses, and local events. an overhaul of the Trade Practices There are only a third as many own- and the lobbying efforts of owners who will profit immensely from the Act and the recognition of Pay TV ers of newspapers and TV stations as a fourth media market. as there were in the 1970s (about 600 FCC decision. now; over 1,500 then). It's harder and Death of Local News “Senator Harradine is waiting to harder for Americans to find out what's see what agreement Senator going on in their own back yards. “This is a dark day for American Alston reaches with the other inde- Democracy is built on the idea democracy,” said Chellie Pingree, pendents before indicating his that the views and beliefs of an president of Common Cause. vote.” Andrew Mu r r a y , the Democrat informed citizenry are the best basis “The FCC has ignored mounting most suspected of splitting from the for political decision-making. Without public pressure and given the party room, said there was no need access to fair and balanced news, green light to a handful of media for him to do so. the system doesn't work. moguls to control what the Rich Media, Poor Democracy American public sees, hears, and Democrats communications And media corporations can't be reads. If only a handful of large spokesman, John Cherry, said-”We trusted: they're willing to sacrifice conglomerates control the press aren’t negotiating anything.” journalism to improve the bottom citizens will lose viewpoints vital to line. That's why we need many a healthy democracy. Page 12 I’m Sorry -The Doctor Is In Dr Ron Brunton’s and Age columnist Robert Manne, Labor’s communications appointment to the over indigenous issues. spokesman, Lindsay Tanner, said ABC Board perpetu- (Dr Brunton’s) appointment showed ates the continual Brunton is unfazed by attacks on the Howard Government's assault on politicalisation of the his politics. He says it is wrong to the ABC had “reached a new, Board. To the ABC’s label him right-wing, a term he asso- extreme level”. Brunton, he said, had Friends it is also an ciates with fascism. “My politics are no significant background or exper- unedifying reminder eclectic,” he said. “It's unfair, it's mis- tise in public broadcasting. of the integrity of the BBC’s Nolan leading to pigeonhole me. Obviously, Rules. on a number of issues, I take a posi- Balance tion that would be more conserva- Cassidy, said it was fair to This profile of Dr Brunton by The tive. On other matters, I take a posi- describe Brunton as an “ideological Age writer Ewin Hanna includes the tion that is left of centre.” zealot". “This in itself does not dis- university years Brunton shared with Bias qualify him from the ABC board,” he the Friends’ spokesman, Darce said. “Our problem is with the politi- Cassidy. Brunton, a regular columnist in cal balance on the ABC board, and the Murdoch press, politely dodged with the appointment process.” Ron Brunton, now a pin-up boy a number of questions about the for the political right, spent his for- ABC, including whether he believed The nine member board includes mative years as a long-haired social- the broadcaster has been guilty of the PM’s friend, Donald McDonald, ist. At Monash University in 1967, he biased coverage. However, a 1998 conservative economist Judith set up the New Left Group, a forum Courier-Mail column, prompted by Sloan, former Liberal MP Ross designed to promote left-wing Alston's then assertion that the ABC McLean and the Australian Stock thought. had been ``biased in dealing with the Exchange chairman, Maurice waterfront dispute and other mat- Newman. But Brunton was no campus ters", is revealing. Brunton wrote: revol u t i o n a r y . “He was big on the the- “We are concerned that the ABC or y , but never big on action,” recalled “The ABC and its friends say it is board fails the balance test," Darce Cassidy, who was at Monash balanced and responsible. Who is Cassidy said. with Brunton. right? Personally, I am with Alston on this issue, although when he also Manne said Brunton was “no “I didn't enjoy it,” Brunton said that ‘most of the time the ABC fool”, with a “reasonably good ana- recalled this week. “I hated the false is an institution of which all lytical mind”. But he predicted sense of solidarity. I did go to the Australians can feel justifiably proud' Brunton would seek to make the anti-Johnson demonstration (against I thought he was being faint-hearted. ABC a “more conservative organisa- the Vietnam War), but I left early.” tion”. “It shows how ideological the “Certainly, I believe there was a government has become,” he said. These days, the Sunshine time when such sentiments were But Brunton's friends and colleagues Coast-based anthropologist is appropriate. But that was long ago. I say it is unfair to describe him as a despised by a left that depicts him could cite much anecdotal evidence blatant Liberal barracker, pointing to as a cultural warrior, a leading con- to support my case, including con- Brunton’s regular criticisms of servative commentator intent on versations with ABC staff who pri- Howard’s performance in office. undermining indigenous rights. vately admit that the culture in sec- Indigenous Issues tions of the organisation is hostile to Brunton said his lack of broad- anything that might be identified with casting experience should not dis- Brunton, 58, certainly has the the Liberal or National parties.” qualify him from the ABC board: the right stuff. Prominent during the majority of government-appointed ABC Accused of Falsifying indigenous rights debate, he was board members in 70 years had no notable for a scathing critique of the His column suggested the ABC broadcasting experience. 1997 Bringing Them Home report. had doctored a survey saying 95 per cent of people thought it did a good “I regard it as an extremely He was a research officer with job of providing accurate news and important cultural institution...and I the Liberal Party's Victorian division current affairs coverage. “I can’t help have a very strong commitment to before and after the 1982 state elec- wondering whether those inter- public broadcasting,” he said. tion. At the time, the party's state viewed were chosen on a truly ran- president was Richard Alston. dom basis, and whether they actual- Ewin Hannan is an Age senior writer. ly listen to the ABC,” he wrote. He The Age - 10/05/2003 From 1995 until 2001, Brunton suggested the ABC’s content analy- (abridged) was at the conservative Institute of sis could be monitored by an outside Public Affairs, locking horns regularly board. with left figures, including academic
Page 13 Cartoon courtesy Allan Mackay
A Bit Fishy No – not the ABC, but the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. If the claim is that the Government has never heard of the Nolan rules, then the following must only be a The advertisement called for nominations to fill six coincidence! vacancies on its board. Friends’ issued a media release congratulating the Government on its wisdom On 29th March, in The Australian, the government and looking for the same to apply in replacing Michael advertised vacancies on the board of a statutory author- Kroger ity, including an outline of the criteria, the qualifications required and the presence of a selection committee “Failure to do so would smell very fishy indeed, ” said which would make a recommendation to the Minister. the release
Schubert's Symphony and their work spread over the should be rounded up to the nearest whole orchestra, thus avoiding semiquaver. If this were done, it A company chairman was given peaks of inactivity. would be possible to use trainees a ticket for a performance of instead of craftsmen. Schubert's unfinished symphony. He All 12 violins were playing identi- passed the invitation to the quality cal notes. This seems unnecessary No useful purpose is served by assurance manager. duplication, and the staff of this sec- repeating with horns the passage tion should be drastically cut. A that has already handled by the The next morning, the chairman large volume of sound could be strings. If redundant passages were asked him how he enjoyed it, and, obtained through the use of an eliminated, the concert could be he was handed the following memo- amplifier. reduced from 2 hours to 20 minutes. randum:- Much effort was involved in play- One can only conclude that had For a considerable period, the ing the demi-semiquavers. This Schubert given attention to these oboe players had nothing to do. seems an excessive refinement, matters, he probably would have Their number should be reduced, and it is recommended that all notes had the time to finish his symphony. update Print Post Approved PP 24 5 0 5 9 / 0 0 0 0 2 Update is published four times a year by Friends of the ABC NSW, P.O. Box 1391, North Sydney 2059. Phone 9810 3358 Fax 9144 1351 web site: ww w. f a b c . o r g . a u / n s w Opinions in the newsletter, which includes articles from Background Briefing published by Friends of the ABC, do not necessarily reflect those of the executive committee of the Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. Current and past Background Briefing issues can be accessed at www.fabc.org.au. Up d a t e goes to all members of FABC (NSW) Inc., as part of the membership fee. Up d a t e is also supplied to journalists, politicians and libraries across Australia. It is produced and edited in Sydney but contributions are welcome from NSW country and interstate branches. Material may be freely quoted or reproduced from the newsletter provided the source is acknowledged and reproduction is sent to FAB C ’ s President Gary Cook, Editor Brian Davies, Layout, format and assembly Irwin Kurtz. Unattributed text is by the editor. FABC Update Post The Editor C/–FABC Update PO Box 1391 North Sydney NSW 2059
Page 14 Odd Man Out at the Card Table – Who’s dealing? US corporations have sued the Canadian and Mexican governments Rarely has a national issue “It’s incredible that Mr Vaile fails for billions of dollars: challenging crept forth so quietly, attracting as to safeguard them, with yet another Canada Post’s ‘monopoly on letter little attention to itself as possible, round of talks to begin where the delivery’; and British Columbia for with the government only occasion- Americans will resume the horse- hampering a US corporation’s plans ally exclaiming “Oh that issue!” - trading, including one report that to export water from the province. that issue being the International they would agree to extra funding for They overturned a Canadian public Agreement on Trade in Services the ABC, provided local content health ruling banning a fuel additive; (GATS), and likewise a free trade rules were dumped.” and won damages from a Mexican agreement with the United States municipality that refused them per- (FTA). The spin the government puts “This is crazy,” Mr Cook said. mission to build a hazardous waste on an FTA portrays it as an econom- “Australia’s cultural heritage is trade- dump in the area.” ic grail, but will it be and what’s the able: tradeable for what - inferior trade off ? American films and television; Among other requirements here’s putting our own writers, actors and what else the Americans want: NSW FABC issued this media producers out of work.” ● Abolition of the Foreign release after the first round of nego- Investment Review Board tiations: “The ABC’s charter, by act of ● Foreign corporations able to parliament, requires the corporation sue the government for decisions FABC calls for ‘sanity’ in US- to broadcast programs that con- that might cut into corporate profits Australia Free Trade Talk tribute to our national identity; that ● Opening up services like te l e - inform, entertain and reflect the communications, health, education NSW President, Gary Cook, Australian community; that encour- and water to foreign corporate control. said it was unbelievable that Trade age international understanding of ● Abolition of the Pharmaceutical Minister Vaile declared no areas in Australian attitudes and promote Benefits Scheme the negotiations off-limits and musical, dramatic and other perform- ● Abolishing food labelling for refused to exclude Australian pro- ing arts in Australia.” genetically modified foods and reduc- gramming and local content, claiming in g quarantine practices it was “tactical”. Mr Cook said that if the North ● Abolishing the right of all lev- American Free Trade Agreement els of government to purchase from “Whatever that means,” Mr (NAFTA) was any example it was local suppliers Cook said, “it exposes Australia to not just the cultural and entertain- American pressure to eliminate local ment sectors at grave risk. content and take an unfettered flow “The way the Government is of film, television, music and other “Before we sign anything we handling these and other trade ne g o- programs made in the US for the US.” should consider these examples - tiations seems almost Orwellian.” By Way of Comparison - We are finalising a Free Trade ‘Negative List’ Dangers Comcare, (Workers' Compensation Agreement with Singapore SAFTA. Insurance for Commonwealth ‘Negative list’ means foreign employees and Air Services The Agreement (SAFTA) removes investors/service providers must be Australia, the air safety authority. all tariffs and other trade barriers treated as ‘locals’ with market between the two countries. It is not access in all areas. Listed exceptions open to change in future include restrictions on subject to parliamentary vote and The services chapter claims it goes only to Cabinet for ratification. media ownership, agricultural mar- does not apply to “services applied keting authorities, audio visual ser- The Joint Standing Committee on (by) governmental authority .” But Treaties (JSCOT) concludes its vices, creative arts and cultural her- many public services are now sup- itage; as well as "social services inquiry by 24th June. The treaty plied on a commercial basis or in has a "negative list" approach which established for a public purpose: competition with other service welfare, public education, training, means everything is included - providers. unless specifically excluded. health, child care, public utilities and A future government would not be public transport". able to implement policy contrary to Consultation involved contact with Right to Sue industry, but very little with civil soci- the agreement without facing dis- ety groups. The JSCOT review is the putes procedure and payment of Two enforcement processes public’s and parliament’s only oppor- penalties or compensation. enable a corporation to take legal tunity for input and scrutiny, but the action to force changes to Australian Restriction of Services Government is proceeding with the law if they can argue the law is not legislation before the review is fin- Listed as exceptions are Australia consistent with the agreement. They ished Post's delivery of standard letters, can sue the Australian government for damages.
Page 15 State and regional branches of Friends of the AB C New South Wal e s Central Coast Or a n g e AC T Gary Cook John Hale Alan Sisley Margaret O’Connor PO Box 1391 21 Stephenson Rd. 6 The Overflow, GPO Box 2625 North Sydney 2059 Bateau Bay 2261 Clifton Grove, Canberra AC T 26 0 1 Ph: 9810 3358 Ph: 4333 8107 Orange NSW 2800 Ph: 6251 1880 Fax: 9144 1351 jh a l e @ t a c . c o m . a u Phone 6365 115 8 Fax: 6244 6690 (W [email protected] al a n s @ i x . n e t . a u ma r g o f o r t e @ h o t m a i l . c o m Eu r o b o d a l l a Al b u r y Michael Tay l o r Pa r r a m a t t a South Au s t r a l i a ABC Support Group 12 Hawkins Rd Mal Hewitt Joan Laing Jim Saleeba Tuross Head, NSW 31 Queen St, Granville 2142 P.O. Box 1758 c/- 621 Lindsay Ave Ph: 4473 8261 (W) Ph: 9637 2900 Hutt St, Albury NSW 2640 Ph: 4473 8561 (H) ma c i a n @ i p e n t i r e . c o m Adelaide SA 50 0 0 Ph: 6021 5690 ta y l o r a @ a c r. n e t . a u Ph/Fax 08 8271 0751 Fax: 6021 0616 Port Macquarie/ jl i a n g @ s e n e t . c o m . a u sa l e e b a @ a l b u r y. n e t . a u Great Lakes Mid North Coast Audrey Semon (Secretary) Drusi Megget Western Au s t r a l i a Ar m i d a l e PO Box 1752 P.O. Box 871 Roger Raven Priscilla Connor Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Forster 2428 PO Box 179 41 Judith Street Ph: 02 6583 8798 Darlington Armidale NSW 2350 Ph: 6554 8507 dr u s i @ f e l g l o w. c o m . a u as e m o n @ t s n . c c WA 60 7 0 Ph: 6772 3454 or 6772 2217 Ph/Fax: (08) 9370 1785 cp s u m m e r s @ n o r t h n e t . c o m . a u Vic t o r i a Il l a w a r r a [email protected] Friends of the ABC (Vic ) Ba t h u r s t Jan Kent (Secretary) GPO Box 4065MM Tas m a n i a Norah Tay l o r Friends of the ABC Illawarra Melbourne VIC 3001 Austra Maddox 254 Keppel St PO Box 336,Unanderra 2526 Bathurst 2795 Ph: 03 9682 0073 5 Albuera Street Ph: 6331 1273 Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 Fax: 03 9682 0074 Battery Point, [email protected] ja n k e n t @ b i g p o n d . c o m fa b c v i c @ v i c n e t . n e t . a u Tasmania 7004 Ne w c a s t l e Ph: (03) 6223 2981 (H) Be g a Qu e e n s l a n d (03) 6211 9314 (W) Eleanor Beasley Hank Wil l e m s Elisabeth McClement au s t r a m a d d o x @ o z e m a i l . c o m . a u 2 Main Street c/ PO Box 265 P.O. Box 1658 Merimbula 2548 Merewether 2291 Toowong QLD 4066 Northern Ter r i t o r y Ph: 6495 1392 gs t r u c k @ o p t u s n e t . c o m . a u Ph/Fax: (07) 3378 7930 Brian Holm Fax: 6495 3202 de m c @ p i c k n o w l . c o m . a u Northern Rivers PO Box 210 Howard Springs NT 08 3 5 Blue Mountains Neville Jennings Gold Coast Ph: (08) 8983 1251 John Derum PO Box 167 Alstonville 2477 Frances E. Rolls P.O . Box 469 Ph/Fax: 6674 3830 (H) PO Box 342 Fax: (08) 8941 3350 Springwood 2777 nj e n n i n g @ s c u . e d u . a u Nerang QLD 4211 Mob: 0409 831 251 Ph: 4758 6979 Ph: (07) 5596 3835 ab c f r i e n d s _ n t @ w e - w o n t - jo h n d e r u m @ b i g p o n d . c o m by t e . c o m
Membership form Please fill out the form below and return it with your payment to: The Tre a s u r e r , Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW 2059.
Na m e Em a i l : Please Print Ad d re s s Su b u r b P/ C o d e
Phone (Home) (Wo r k ) Mo b Federal Electorate Give my details to my local FABC Branch
Age Group 30 or under 31-50 51 + Membership No.______I would like to join I would like to renew I am interested in helping I would like to join the phone/fax/email network (and help pass on information to members) I/ W e apply for membership of FABC (NSW) Inc. and accept it’s objectives and rules. Si g n a t u r e . ______Individual $2 0 Fa m i l y / H o u s e h o l d $2 5 I am paying by cheque in favour of FABC (NSW) Inc. St u d e n t $1 5 money order ba n k c a r d ma s t e rc a r d vi s a Pe n s i o n e r $1 5 Ca r d number Corporate (covers 3 members) $6 0 Name on credit card I would like to make a donation $______Expiry date
Cardholders signature Amount $ Page 16