UpdateDecember 2019 Vol 27, No. 3 Thrice Yearly Newsletter ABC Friends meets the Minister

BC Friends met with Annual ABC Friends Lecture in Parliament responded to the demands of a complex Communications Minister Paul House in 2020 and looked forward to media climate and offered greater AFletcher on 27 November to discuss hearing his priorities for Australian public opportunity for forward planning. ABC funding, Media Freedom and the broadcasting. In particular ABC Friends emphasised need for whistleblower Julian Assange to Vice-president Ed Davis highlighted the the vital role of emergency services receive urgent Australian consular support loss of ABC funding by a number of broadcasting, when communities so while held in a UK prison. governments over the last thirty years and relied on the ABC for essential up to National President Margaret Reynolds suggested it was time for consideration date warnings. invited Minister Fletcher to give the special of new funding models, which better

Ed Davis, Paul Fletcher and Margaret Reynolds.

Inside Update Kate Reid, ABC Friend 8 Police raids on journalists not new 14 Ita Buttrose pitches ABC as ‘key AFP Raids: Implications for ABC Friends Meets David Anderson soft power asset’ 9 Australian Democracy 15 Managing Director 3 Matt Peacock, broadcaster par Reporting Fitzgerald Keynote Truth, Power and a Free Press 3 excellence 10 ABC Friends (Qld) 16 Heather Ewart Speaks at Vic Annual Ongoing threats to Media ABC Friends National Annual Dinner 4 Freedoms and nobbling the ABC 11 Report 2018-2019 18 Launch of a new ABC Friends Branch 5 Peter FitzSimons’ Andrew Olle Somerville cartoon 19 Ita and Friends 6 lecture on press freedom infringements 12 State News 20 Media bosses ‘encouraged’ by press freedom negotiations 7 It’s a dark day for media freedom 13 NSW Branch News 28 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. s 2019 draws to a close, ABC conserving and increasing the public’s right Extracts from newspapers and other Friends National can look back to know.” A full report on the Tasmanian publications appearing in Update do upon a year of unprecedented forum may be found in the State News not necessarily reflect the views of the A growth in activity and engagement with section of Update. members of ABC Friends. the public on a range of issues vital to Update is distributed to all members of ABC Friends as part of the membership the survival of public broadcasting in Branch Activities Grow Australia. In her Friends National Annual fee. Update is also supplied to I encourage readers to turn to the later journalists, politicians and libraries report, President Margaret Reynolds pages of Update, where they will read across Australia. highlights the involvement of Friends of various State and Regional Branch Update is edited and produced in in the Federal election campaign activities, many involving current and Sydney and contributions are welcome and, following the AFP raids on ABC from state and regional branches. Email former ABC staff, engaging with Friends headquarters, the Defend Media your contribution (in Microsoft Word) to and a wider audience on the issues [email protected] or Freedom Campaign. The ABC was which are vital to the future health of our post to address below brought into focus as a major election public broadcaster. Branches are to be Material may be quoted or reproduced issue, especially in marginal seats, and it commended for their commitment to from Update provided the source is is most likely that the Friends’ campaign acknowledged and reproduction is sent engaging with the community through influenced the result in some of those to the Editor at the above email or postal different community gatherings, taking seats. address. every opportunity to share with others the truth that an adequately funded public Would you like to receive Defend Media Freedom Update newsletter broadcaster is vital to the health of our Campaign democracy. An example is the recent electronically? The actions of the AFP against the ABC gathering of NSW Friends to honour Matt Save the planet’s trees and ABC Friends’ printing and postage costs and read and News Corporation journalist Annika Peacock for his distinguished career in Update on your tablet or computer. When Smethurst, as well as the constant journalism, especially his long campaign to Update is published, you will receive an criticism of the ABC by some members expose the dangers of asbestos. email with a link to the latest issue (each of the Federal government, have raised newsletter is a 2-3MB PDF). serious concerns about real threats to Friends Meet ABC Leadership You can try this now by going to www.fabcnsw.org.au and clicking on media freedom in Australia, and have President Margaret Reynolds and Vice- “Newsletter”. If you prefer this delivery produced a significant international President Ed Davis have met with ABC option for future Updates please contact reaction. Leaders of major media Chair Ita Buttrose and Managing Director your local state branch (see back page). organizations have united under the David Anderson, as reported in this “Australia’s Right to Know” coalition, and Who to write… Update, and both have acknowledged recent negotiations with the government the importance of the work of Friends, Anyone seeking basic information about have been directed at reforms to writing to persons of influence might find expressing gratitude for Friends’ support it helpful to go to www.fabcnsw.org.au restrict government secrecy and protect in these difficult times. Ita Buttrose was where there are some menu items journalists and whistleblowers. ABC a popular guest speaker at the NSW under “Be Active” leading to pages of Friends joined with ABC Alumni to information: Who can I write to? What Friends’ annual dinner, and impressed publish an open letter in the Saturday can I say? the audience with her obvious passion Paper. Veteran ABC journalist Peter for the ABC. Update’s front page reports Update Editor - Mal Hewitt George, addressing a Tasmanian on the recent meeting in Canberra with PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Friends’ Forum, spoke for all of us: Communications Minister Fletcher. [email protected] “Public broadcasting, independent of political interference, is a jewel in the Assistant Editor - Regional Relations crown of a democracy. For all its flaws, Angela Williamson its perceived biases, its often narrow Friends will read with much concern the [email protected] cultural focuses, institutions like the ABC account by Dan McGarry, editor of the Proofreader – Dr Diana Wyndham are society’s lynchpins with imperatives Vanuatu Daily Post, as he describes the Cartoonist - Phil Somerville that are not driven by commercial or actions of the Vanuatu government against him and his family, clearly in retaliation Phil currently runs an online topical political considerations. These are cartoon by paid subscription called Line shrinking but precious institutions, for his paper’s criticism of the growing of Thought. Enquire at phil.somerville@ under increasing attack globally and influence of China in Vanuatu. Such events somervillecartoons.com increasingly in danger of disappearing. again raise questions about the wisdom of Layout Artist - Paul Martens Organisations like ABC Friends play a the government’s decision in 2014 to shut [email protected] truly important role not just in preserving down ABC TV broadcasts to the Pacific public broadcasting in Australia but in and Asia through Australia Network, and Page 2 the shortwave service through Radio NSW Friends’ Awards Night, in which lifetime of experience in the media, Australia. Their value as “soft diplomacy” she outlines the issues raised by the AFP journalism and publishing, as well as his was beyond question, as China moved raids on the ABC, and reminds us of the passion for a strong, well-funded and quickly to fill the gap on those same short importance of a free media in a healthy independent ABC. He has shared most wave bands with its English-language democracy generously with Friends his experience, broadcasts to the Pacific. his wisdom and his time, and I have Thank You, Ranald Macdonald valued his support, his friendship, and A Welcome Younger Voice As Ranald steps down from the position of his many contributions to Update. Best We welcome to the pages of Update National Media Adviser, we acknowledge wishes and our gratitude, Ranald, for all Georgia Toohey, student in Journalism the vital contribution he has made you have given ABC Friends. at the University of Technology, Sydney, throughout the early years of ABC Friends Mal Hewitt OAM with the text of her recent address to the National. He brought to the position a ABC Friends

Truth, Power and a Free Press

Margaret Reynolds and Ed Davis with David Anderson. That’s the title of a wonderful new exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House Canberra. Produced with support ABC Friends Meets David from SBS, the ABC and other media organisations, this varied and highly Anderson Managing Director interactive exhibition illuminates Australian media history and the current BC Friends welcomed the opportunity to meet with David Anderson to issues we are facing. Adiscuss challenges facing the public broadcaster at a time of serious See the letters Peter Greste had budgetary constraints and concerns about media freedom. smuggled out of his Egyptian prison. In particular ABC Friends wants to work with the new government and Hear respected journalists talk about parliamentarians to recognise increased ABC regional programming and what their work means to them and augmented news services. why it is important. Test your ability to pick out fake news and media The morning visit to the ABC was also an excellent opportunity to meet Board distortion. See why Australia has Chair Ita Buttrose and staff representative Jane Connors, as well as senior staff dropped to number 21 (yes!) on responsible for specialist programs and entertainment, news and international. Freedom House’s rating of countries’ National ABC Friends President Margaret Reynolds said many Australians level of media freedom. would appreciate the importance of the ABC’s forthcoming international The exhibition is open 9am – 5pm broadcasting anniversary, marking the long tradition of the ABC reporting daily except Christmas Day, Old overseas. This significant initiative was announced by former Prime Minister Parliament House, 18 King George Robert Menzies in December 1939 and has ensured that many of our Pacific Terrace, Parkes. Island neighbours have grown up depending on that familiar Australian voice. Yet another reason to visit Canberra! Further information Margaret Reynolds, 0447 735 156 Peter Lindenmayer ACT Friends

Page 3 When questioned about why it was that people living in areas greatly effected by climate change kept voting for the National Party, she responded to a tittering Heather Ewart speaks audience by saying that it was easy for city people to “snigger” about political at Vic Annual Dinner loyalty that spanned generations. “And the National Party keeps on putting up candidates that I don’t think are of the quality that they once were, and the Labor Party, half of the time, doesn’t bother going near these areas - they just say “well this is a safe Nationals seat so why bother?” “So these people are not actually given a choice,” Heather Ewart said. “They’re just not given the right candidates.” “The ABC has always done a great service in the regions and I remember going back to Sydney and saying to people like Mark Scott you really should spend more time with the National Party because they are part of the coalition and they actually like us out there. Generally speaking, I think country people support the ABC,” she said. One audience member asked Ms Ewart if people in the bush were concerned about losing the ABC completely. “Oh yes there definitely is concern, and that matters,” she said. “They don’t want to lose their own regional offices and studios - that’s a big issue, and I think the ABC has belatedly recognised that and I think is supporting regional Australia a lot more. In more remote communities, I think the BC Broadcasting legend Heather from the Managing Director,” she said. ABC is really relied upon, and they’d be Ewart entertained an enthusiastic “It was unbelievably successful for a devastated to see it gutted.” And she Aaudience at this year’s ABC Friends program of that nature, particularly in thanked ABC Friends Victoria for its great Victoria Annual Dinner in Melbourne the cities.” She said the success of the efforts in supporting the ABC. “I think it recently. The very experienced journalist documentary led to the creation of the shared some cracking stories from her enormously popular Back Roads. Guests enjoying the Victorian Annual Dinner. very popular TV show Back Roads, which followed the Victorian Annual General Meeting. Heather Ewart has spent most of her career at the ABC, starting as a cadet in 1980. She soon moved to Canberra as one of the first women to report from the National Press Gallery - as the correspondent for AM and PM - and was later posted to Washington and Brussels before returning to Australia to work as National Affairs and Political Reporter for the 7:30 Report. Ms Ewart told the audience former Managing Director Mark Scott gave her a blank canvass to make a show “about the bush” after the success of a documentary she had made about the National Party. “At the height of Abbott not being happy about the ABC I suddenly got approval Page 4 is invaluable and is always appreciated,” confidence in her leadership. And MD, Victorian President, Peter Monie, thanked she said, “who knows what is around the David Anderson, is a steady, experienced the Committee and local groups for their corner?” leader”. Emeritus Professor Davis said Ms fantastic contribution to the very successful ABC Friends National Vice President Ed Buttrose had been a great support for the Victorian Marginal Seats Campaign. Davis outlined how the NSW division is ABC against the Australian Federal Police “Chisholm, Corangamite, Deakin, Dunkley, in the process of expanding, with several and its outrageous raids on the Sydney LaTrobe, and Macnamara. Our results were new branches opening soon. He also Headquarters. achieved in a campaign where we were comforted the audience, saying that, actively asking voters to consider the “having had several meetings with the new Victorian AGM ABC before deciding which party to ABC Chair Ita Buttrose, we should have Earlier, at the Victorian ABC Friends AGM, support”, he said.

Launch of a new ABC Friends Branch

and in type. Holmes’ analysis of only a handful of laws that have and are limiting our Media Freedoms were shocking to the audience. The limitations currently in place on reporting on certain Government activities have stymied many stories that likely would otherwise have aired on the ABC. President Ed drew the audience’s attention to the huge reduction in funding for the ABC since the 1980s when its funding represented 0.6% of Federal Government expenditure, whereas now it is a mere 0.2%! The valiant ABC is trying to do so much more with a very limited budget. ABC Instigator of the new branch, Janine Kitson (centre) and Northern Suburbs Committee Friends advocates that this figure should with Ed Davis, NSW President. Below: Jonathan Holmes addresses the crowd. be depoliticised and set at 0.5% for good. This at a time when the ABC’s impartial reporting is so essential - a Angela Williamson time when what is aired on social Secretary NSW & ACT media is just someone’s half-baked opinion, not carefully researched and verified news. The Northern Suburbs of Sydney Branch fledged on the NSW long The instigator for the new branch, weekend in October. NSW & ACT Janine Kitson, outlined her hopes for Friends hired a room in Chatswood the branch, the formal motion to form - a roughly central place for people was carried unanimously, a committee living in the 5 Federal Electorates of of six volunteered, the hard word put on Bennelong, Bradfield, Mackellar, North attendees to ‘do’ the needful. Following Sydney and Warringah to get there this photos were taken, lunch too - an with moderate ease. array of fresh wraps whistled up by NSW Events Co-ordinator Jason Lowe. There are several hundred ABC Friends in those five seats, but the meeting The buzz in the room was palpable. was being held on the Sunday of a added till finally there were exactly 100 Everyone there was committed to being long weekend, also on the day the people squished into the room to hear part of a really active ABC Friends daylight saving started and besides, a brilliant introduction from ABC Friends Branch. quite an important football match was NSW & ACT President, Emeritus Professor Quirky footnote: Jonathan Holmes was due to be played. Ed Davis, AM. staggered to discover everyone in the A room designed to cater for about Ed Davis invited former Media Watch room still watches ABC tv in real-time; 50 people was booked: should be presenter Jonathan Holmes to the podium. he told us that the ABC’s research enough. But they came pouring in the Jonathan had a jaw-dropping list of recent showed that was no longer the door, so more and more seats were legislation. ‘Jaw-dropping’ in number case. Hmmm.

Page 5 Australia’s legacy media; the merger of Nine and Fairfax, the purchase of Ten by American giant, CBS and the possibility of a merger between Seven and News Corp Australia. Even so, she warned that these organisations would still be minnows in the global pond; the FAANGs were the sharks. Ita noted that there remained opportunities for the ABC to grasp and referred to the extraordinary success of Bluey, a children’s program about a cattle dog. It has notched up over a 100 million plays on iview! Reflecting on the role of the ABC, she asked: Ita and Friends Who is left to do the investigative journalism that leads to improvements in our society, to report on stories that matter to the third of Australians that live continued investment in resource-intensive in regional and rural areas, to invest in Professor Ed Davis AM public interest journalism, balancing the Australian drama, education and science President of NSW Friends cost of maintaining traditional broadcast programs, in thought-provoking programs technology while investing in digital and on RN, to unearth new Australian music – online services, an almost endless supply from classical to jazz to new independent BC Chair, Ita Buttrose AC and OBE, of programs from giant international music? Who will broadcast trusted was Guest and Speaker at the competitors and a public that rightfully ad-free children’s content and will ensure AAnnual Dinner for ACT and NSW demands the highest quality Australian that Australians continue to have access Friends in Sydney on 6 September. It was a content when and where they want it. to programs that document our history splendid occasion in the magnificent dining Ita noted the increasing concentration of and reflect our diverse communities in the room at the Castlereagh Hotel. The room was packed with members eager to hear from Ita. Above: Surrounded Ita began with warm words for the Friends: by former staff Chair Ita & I’d especially like to thank you for the work President Ed. you do in your own communities, being From L Quentin boots on the ground so to speak for the Dempster, Matt Peacock, Ita ABC, at the local shops, the markets Buttrose, Ed Davis, and other community events, and even Helen Grasswill. in Canberra, reminding people of the Left: Q & A time. importance of a strong and effective public Right: Event broadcaster….The ABC Friends have been organiser Jason. Below: Full house passionate advocates for the ABC for at Cellos for Chair many years and I know you will continue to Ita Buttrose. take up that work with great enthusiasm. Ita shared her thoughts on the challenges facing the ABC. She indicated that she saw the very rapid growth of the tech giants, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google (FAANGs), as reshaping the environment for all Australian media. Commercial media faced extraordinary competition for those who watch, listen and read media products and for advertisers. Indeed, existing commercial media have suffered a crippling fall in advertising revenue over the past decade. We at the ABC may not face precisely identical pressures, but we have plenty of our own to deal with. A diminishing budget in real terms, the rising costs of making high-end Australian content,

Page 6 present. And who will tell the stories of our Indigenous cultures? The answer, of course, is the ABC. Ita indicated that she is pressing the federal Media bosses ‘encouraged’ government for improved and stable funding so that Australians can be assured by press freedom negotiations that they will receive the vital and essential services provided by the ABC. as Smethurst case continues Ita’s speech was warmly applauded by Friends at the Dinner. She took questions and then had her photo taken media chiefs come after two days of Fergus Hunter with seemingly everyone in the room. High Court hearings on News Corp SMH, 13 Nov 2019 Friends came away reassured that Ita is a journalist Annika Smethurst’s challenge formidable champion for the ABC. She is against the search warrant executed at her home earlier this year. The June committed to the fight for a well-funded, edia bosses say they are raid helped to renew concerns about strong and independent ABC. encouraged by their latest press freedom in Australia. It was part negotiations with the As a postscript, Ita took the government to M of an investigation triggered by an April government over press freedom, task in her Foreword to the ABC’s Annual 2018 story which revealed an internal expressing optimism they will secure Report 2019. She was scathing about the government proposal to expand support for reforms to restrict AFP raids on the ABC. She wrote that she the domestic powers of electronic secrecy and protect journalists and had indicated to the PM that no journalist intelligence agency the Australian whistleblowers. should face imprisonment for doing his or Signals Directorate. her job. She continued: The “Australia’s Right to Know” coalition Smethurst’s lawyers have challenged of major media organisations has been The public trust us to speak power to truth. the warrant, arguing it was legally pushing for six key recommendations, A hobbled ABC is denied the ability, and invalid and the raid was therefore including public interest exemptions indeed the fulfilment of its legislative duty, trespassing, with police unlawfully from a series of national security laws, to inform the community. accessing and copying content from protections for whistleblowers, freedom That is intolerable. Smethurst’s phone. They contend the of information reform and the right to appropriate remedy for the actions contest search warrants. Prime Minister is destruction of the evidence or Scott Morrison and senior colleagues preventing investigators from accessing say they are open to changes but have it. Stephen Lloyd SC, acting for publicly resisted the proposal to exempt Smethurst, was repeatedly pressed journalists from national security laws. by judges in the hearings this week to Media chiefs struck a positive clarify whether the information copied note on Wednesday following an by police was considered private or “encouraging” meeting with Attorney- confidential as part of his argument. General Christian Porter. “We have On Wednesday, he argued this was not had a more constructive meeting with the point, maintaining that the invalid the government. It was good to hear search in itself was enough to justify a that the government is open to some remedy. He submitted that preventing Ita has been deeply embedded in changes,” said Michael Miller, executive the police from accessing the material Australia’s media since her mid-teens. chairman of News Corp Australasia. would prevent further distress and She was Founding Editor of Cleo, Miller declined to predict exactly where damage to his client. Lloyd pointed to Editor of the Women’s Weekly and the government would land, saying it precedents where documents were Editor-in-Chief of the Daily and Sunday would be premature to go into details taken wrongly and that was enough. Telegraph. She launched her own before Parliament’s intelligence and He said a remedy was justified magazine, Ita. She has worked for security committee hands down its “irrespective of whether the documents both the Packer and Murdoch families. recommendations in two weeks. Media were private or not”. She has been a regular presenter on representatives will meet again with the In their written submission to the court, both radio and TV and, as Chair of the government the following week. Smethurst’s lawyers have also mounted National Advisory Committee on AIDS, a separate argument the secrecy laws she led the debate on how Australia Hugh Marks, chief executive of Nine, underpinning the search warrant were could best respond to the threat of this owner of The Sydney Morning Herald in breach of the implied freedom of terrible disease. Along the way, Ita has and The Age, said the government political communication contained in won Excellence in Journalism Awards, recognised change was needed. “We the constitution. The issue was not she has received three Honorary PhDs will be united making sure we get as canvassed in court this week. and was declared Australian of the Year good a change as we possibly can in 2013. She is a Companion of the because it’s important for everyone,” The matter was adjourned until further Order of Australia and an Officer in the he said. The latest comments from hearings on dates yet to be determined. Order of the British Empire.

Page 7 earn $17m, with net revenue of around $1m. But the closing of the ABC shops, Kate Reid, ABC Friend about 35-40 shops around the country, with the expectation that customers would buy on-line hadn’t materialised by the time DVDs, books, children’s books, CDs Kate retired some months later. and DVDs. She would liaise with the Kate Reid, JP, is a librarian who later scheduling team for where she could get studied publicity for a Diploma. Her origins ABC promos in between ABC shows or were County Down, Northern Ireland, radio programmes. These promos fitted whence her parents were posted to into the scheduling as MER - short for Cyprus in the late ’50s, so while a young Merchandise. Her varied career within the school girl, living with her grandparents in ABC saw her working in Corporate Affairs Bangor, Co. Down, her mother sent for her for some time as well. to join them. On her own, she took a train Kate would arrange and host literary to Belfast, finding her way to the wharf for lunches for visiting household names such the Steam Packet across the Irish Sea to as Michael Palin, David Attenborough, Liverpool. Barry Humphries, the Two Fat Ladies - From the dock near the Liver Building Clarissa Dickson Wright (part Australian) she located Lime St Station, and her and Jennifer Anderson, oh, and Jamie train to Euston in London. At this point, Oliver, to name a few. she received the only assistance from an With a short break from full-time work adult: an aunt took her from Euston to (she still kept her hand in with an odd day London’s Heathrow, to fly to Nicosia. Her here and there each week), while their two folks weren’t there to meet her, so this children were small, Kate returned to her resourceful lass flagged down an Army ate met Peter Reid (later an ABC full-time role at the ABC in the early ‘80s. Truck and asked for a lift to Famagusta. Four Corners Executive Producer) Keeping it in the family, one of those two She clambered aboard, and was about to in swinging ‘60s London, and their K now-grown children is Editor, ABC News set off, as an open-top sports car arrived, first date was very romantic: they went to and Digital Video. and Kate saw her flushed and flustered see Psycho, where she fainted at the sight folks, so there ended her adventure. of blood, Peter had to call for assistance Publicity and promoting the ABC’s from the cinema manager, and sans any products, Kate remembers one of their Kate still conducts tours of the ABC at more bloody films they kept dating, and better years which saw ABC Enterprises Ultimo and is available as a Community became engaged. Peter, earlier in life had been a merchant seaman, briefly lived in Melbourne working for the Argus, and loved what he had seen of Australia. When he was head-hunted by Channel 10 from ITN News in the UK, Peter moved to Australia and with some trepidation, not excluding pacing up and down the plane on the final leg from Darwin to Sydney, Kate followed a few months later. But as soon as she saw Peter again, ‘trepidation’ vanished; she knew it was the right decision. An accomplished publicist, Kate had already applied to the ABC from the UK. Thus, when she arrived in Australia on a Thursday, had a formal interview next day, she started work promptly the Monday following. Her office was under, literally, the Congregational Church in Pitt Street, Sydney. Her first boss was Charles Buttrose, father of Ita Buttrose, AC, the ABC’s new Board Chairman. Charles Buttrose was Manager Publicity and Concerts when the ABC ran all the Kate Reid (above) now Orchestras in the Australian States. and Kate here, 2nd from the right with ABC Enterprises and Kate’s job involved publicising the ABC’s ABC Brisbane Radio Staff at programmes both radio and television, the opening of the ABC Shop as well as its products - recordings, in Brisbane 1983.

Page 8 JP on ‘duty’ every Saturday morning in story of another of our wonderfully diverse ABC as part of its commitment to cultural her part of the world. The ABC regularly membership. development enshrined in its Charter. The benefited from Kate’s appointment as a JP PS: Our younger readers might be ABC orchestras morphed into the various while she was in their employ. interested to know that in 1982 Charles State orchestras now, for examples the Kate Reid, ABC Friend, WEA Councillor, Buttrose wrote Playing for Australia, A WASO and QSO. former Lane Cove Councillor, ABC Story about ABC Orchestras and Music Angela Williamson Alumni, with over 50 years continuous in Australia. All the big orchestras in each Secretary and Membership Secretary, employment with ‘Aunty’: an oh-so-brief State were funded and nurtured by the ABC Friends NSW & ACT

"We live in fractious and uncertain times at present. International media has become an effective tool for nation states, primarily to exert influence and promote ideas as a function of soft power." Ita Buttrose Ms Buttrose said she had been "heartened" by Prime Minister Scott Morrison's remarks that Australia pitches ABC was committed to building "a secure, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific as ‘key soft of independent, sovereign and resilient states". She said the ABC maintained the power asset’ "largest on-the-ground presence of any regional broadcaster" in the Indo-Pacific. and flags more But its commitments to international broadcasting "are not what they once foreign coverage were" following the federal government's decision to cancel the Australia Network contract in 2014. Countries recognised as being most effective in soft power diplomacy - Britain, France, Germany, the US and Japan - acknowledged "the potential value of international media for advancing their soft power agendas and fund these services accordingly". Ms Buttrose said the ABC's foreign coverage was "an acknowledged soft power mechanism" and the Megan Gorrey month. Ms Buttrose, who was appointed broadcaster's ability to report critically on SMH, 19 Oct 2019 chair of the ABC in February, spoke of her ambition to expand the broadcaster's our own political system was "a powerful coverage of international news, particularly demonstration of democratic values, in the Asia-Pacific. She said media particularly to countries with limited BC chair Ita Buttrose has flagged outlets enjoyed "the sugar hit delivered press freedom". She said effective public a renewed focus on international by the Trump bump", referring to massive diplomacy was not only achieved by news coverage at the public A audience interest in stories about US coverage of international news, but also broadcaster, emphasising its role as President Donald Trump. But she queried through children's programming, English- a "key soft power asset" in the Asia- the level of coverage of countries in our language learning and broadcasting of Pacific. Addressing a key tension with the region such as India, Indonesia, Japan sport, music and drama. Ms Buttrose Coalition government, Ms Buttrose again and Vietnam. "At a time when Australia hoped the review into Australia's soft asked for more funding, arguing "with is realising the need to better project its power assets being conducted by additional support the ABC could expand influence in the Pacific, the ABC is a key the Department of Foreign Affairs and its ability to reach out and share Australian soft power asset available to the nation. Trade would recognise investment in perspectives to the world and enable The importance of journalism to our international broadcasting as "a valuable Australians to better understand their country's Asia-Pacific interests cannot be source" of such power. She said ABC Pacific neighbours". underestimated and I believe a renewed Australia iView would provide access She also used her speech to the Lowy ABC focus on international broadcasting to content including Australian Story, Institute Media Award Dinner in Sydney would greatly benefit Australia." She said Foreign Correspondent, Q&A, Gardening on Saturday night to announce the launch as the world grew "more closely entwined Australia and the ABC News channel to of an international version of the ABC's but perhaps more disparate" it was vital "audiences around the world as well as on-demand viewing service, called ABC Australians understood "the global factors to the more than one million Australian Australia iview, for expats and overseas that affect our economy, our politics, our expats who live, work or are audiences. It will launch at the end of the culture and dare I say, our environment". travelling overseas". Page 9 Left: Ed Davis, Matt Peacock. Below (from top to bottom): Sybille & Nizza. UTS student Georgia reports. President Ed at podium. Socialising.

Matt Peacock, broadcaster par excellence NSW & ACT Broadcasting Awardee for 2019

he popular event was MC’d impact on Australia’s democracy if expertly by President Ed Davis who whistleblowers and journalists are Tpresented Matt Peacock, previous silenced. ABC Staff-elected Director, with our annual As these pictures and more on p26 attest, Broadcasting Award. Former Staff-elected some entertainment from Mal and Angela Directors Quentin Dempster, Kirsten befitting the onset of the festive season Garrett and John Cleary formed part of the rounded off a very sociable evening more than seventy strong ‘cheer squad’ organised as ever by Jason Lowe. impressed to hear of Matt’s diligence over many years with the James Hardie asbestos debacle. In talking about the challenges in the immediate future for the beset ABC, Ed Davis outlined some of the key projects for 2020, including instigation of two new branches, Shoalhaven and Western Suburbs, to add to the Northern Suburbs Branch in 2019. The Redshaws, Carmel McCallum and Janine Kitson, leaders of the new branches, were duly recognised! University of Technology media student, Georgia Toohey gave a brief, pithy address on the AFP raids on the ABC with respect to the Afghan story, and the concomitant

Page 10 Ongoing threats to Media Freedoms and nobbling the ABC

that the ABC Board will have to consult Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Fiona Martin and “before making a [significant] change (Fair and Balanced) Bill, which is yet to be Michael Ward to a broadcasting service in a regional tabled, is a sop to One Nation Senator The Conversation area”. The ABC also has to report Pauline Hanson for her support with annually on these consultations. the Coalition government’s 2017 media ne of the basic tenets of the The bill suggests the council will cost ownership legislation. This proposal, too, ABC Act is independence from $100,000 per year, while “other measures was debated and rejected in parliament in Ogovernment. Yet once again, in … are expected to have no financial 2017. contravention to that principle, the federal impact”. But this is a ludicrous notion As many critics noted when it was government is trying to push through given the potential cost of expanding local rejected, the legislation duplicates major, unnecessary changes to the ABC’s services across the country. existing balance and fairness provisions governing laws. The changes themselves This regional push by the Coalition in the ABC’s editorial policies, and has might seem innocuous, even positive. government is no benign shepherding the potential to constrain coverage of They seek to ensure the ABC devotes of the ABC back to its core duties. contentious issues. more resources to covering regional It’s It is unclear why the Coalition is putting Australia, and to mandate that its news actually designed to tie the corporation up this bill again, except as an attempt to reporting is “fair and balanced”. They up in red tape and shift its attention keep Hanson on side in the Senate. come at a time when the ABC has less away from national coverage – and the funding than ever, in relative terms, to machinations of federal government. In recent years, the broadcaster has been deal with the bureaucratic burdens these The House of Representatives debated faced with measures would impose. the proposed changes last month, splitting • six reductions in funding along party lines. A vote is likely in the If passed, these measures will also expose house early next week. And unless there is • two efficiency reviews in 2014 and the organisation to political claims that significant public opposition, the bill could in 2018 (which has not been publicly it’s not doing its job. And they represent potentially be passed before the end of the released) blatant political interference in how the year. ABC determines its objectives and what it • Liberal calls for its privatisation or sale spends its money on. The legislation has been before parliament of its property to “help pay down the in various forms since 2015, but failed to national debt” On July 31, with little fanfare, the Coalition get through. It has been the subject of two government introduced the first of three • the deputy prime minister’s call to move Senate investigations, most recently in proposed changes to the ABC Act. The it wholesale to regional Australia 2018, with Coalition senators supporting Australian Broadcasting Corporation • the recent federal police raids on its its reintroduction to parliament. However, Amendment (Rural and Regional investigative reporters dissenting reports from Labor and the Measures) Bill 2019 requires the ABC to: Greens noted the ABC was already These latest proposals to amend the ABC • contribute to a sense of “regional” committed to regional coverage and Charter raise bigger questions about how identity as well as “a sense of national couldn’t provide more without a funding we deal with media law reform. Crucially, identity” increase. to be effective and sustainable, it needs to be strategic, not ad hoc and politicised. • reflect “geographical”, as well as The second amendment due to be “cultural diversity” introduced during the spring sitting is Ever since the ABC was established, one • establish a Regional Advisory Council similarly unnecessary. The Australian of the country’s most important public

Page 11 policy objectives has been ensuring of national media policy in a global This paper, very slightly edited, is from regional media services. So, rather than environment and recommended stable, The Conversation, 18 October 2019 by: tinkering with the ABC, or even granting adequate budgets for the ABC and SBS. Fiona R Martin private owners more concessions, what Pointedly, the ACCC said they are not yet Senior Lecturer in Convergent and is needed is a comprehensive analysis of funded to fully compensate for the decline Online Media, University of Sydney media and communications services for in local reporting previously produced by Michael Ward regional, rural and remote communities. traditional commercial publishers. PhD candidate, University The ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry gave No amount of changes to the ABC Charter of Sydney us important insights into the complexity will fix that.

Peter FitzSimons’ Andrew Olle lecture on press freedom infringements

Sarah Thomas ABC News, 1 November 2019

uthor and columnist Peter Dan Oakes and Sam Clark, called the reports on leaked information that alleged FitzSimons has delivered a strong Afghan Files. The stories contained the Government was seeking to boost Amessage that press freedom is a allegations there were unlawful killings by domestic spying powers. fundamental cornerstone of democracy Australian special forces in Afghanistan “We are in difficult times, facing serious and called for changes in the law based on information from leaked Defence issues,” Mr FitzSimons said. “The more to protect journalists. He made the documents. The search warrant was that strong journalism, across the board, comments while delivering the keynote issued on the basis of allegations of is supported and defended by the address at the annual Andrew Olle Media publishing classified material, based on the Government, embraced by the population Lecture in Sydney on Friday night, where Crimes Act 1914. and fearlessly pursued by its adherents … he emphasised the need to support “If the law is the law and the AFP raids on the stronger our nation will be.” robust journalism for the good of the “national fabric”. The Andrew Olle Media Lecture is held in honour of the ABC broadcaster of the FitzSimons said the June raids by the “It was an same name who died in 1995. Money Australian Federal Police on the ABC outrage that raised from the event goes to brain cancer offices and the home of News Corp research under a memorial fund which has journalist Annika Smethurst were an effectively been running for 21 years. affront to democracy. equated fearless ABC managing director David Anderson “It was an outrage that effectively equated delivered the news at Friday’s event that fearless investigative journalism with investigative Olle’s family had decided to wind up the criminality,” he said. journalism with fund due to factors including increased He cited Watergate as “the greatest commitments elsewhere. Mr Anderson journalistic triumph of our times” which criminality,” praised the work of Olle’s wife, Annette, in never would have happened had the running the fund. United States had similar laws to Down the offices of the ABC and the very home “Her dedication and determination have Under. of the News Limited journalist Annika resulted in several millions of dollars “How did we allow such ludicrously Smethurst had nothing to do with the raised which has had a direct impact on draconian legislation to be passed in Government, change the law that led the advances made in how we treat brain sunny Australia?” Australian Federal Police to commit this cancer,” he said. The AFP raids on the ABC related to a outrage,” Mr FitzSimons said. Despite the closure of the fund, the annual series of stories by investigative journalists Ms Smethurst was raided over her media lecture will continue.

Page 12 whom had Vanuatu citizenship – without trial or access to legal counsel. They were stripped of their citizenship and placed on a plane to China. We don’t know what happened to them after that. I was later told that a note was placed on my employment file at about that time. There’s no evidence to suggest that China has asked for or even wanted my removal. But it seems clear that political pressures exerted on senior bureaucrats have resulted in this attempt to stifle the media. The letter rejecting my visa renewal Vanuatu has cancelled my work permit. raised some serious questions. For one, it said the reason for the refusal was that my position should have been It’s a dark day for filled by a Ni Vanuatu, or local hire, by now. But not two months ago, the media freedom Daily Post’s application to hire an expat sports editor was granted. How is this application any different? I began my tenure right at the beginning of Dan McGarry Editor, Daily Post an historic criminal trial that ended with 14 The law empowers the commissioner of The Guardian, 11 November 2019 members of parliament being convicted on labour and the commissioner of labour bribery and conspiracy-related charges. alone to make these decisions. So why anuatu’s Daily Post has always was the letter also copied to the minister During the trial, a witness who had evidence held the government to account of internal affairs? of a massive cash bribe was asked why and will continue to do so, with or V he brought this evidence to the Daily The rejection letter also tried to tell the without me as editor. Post before the police. He told the court: Daily Post who should be hired in my On Thursday, the Vanuatu government “Because then people would know it was place. That’s an unacceptable intrusion issued instructions that after 16 years true.” in any business, and way over the line for living here and, despite having a Ni an independent media company. Since then we have covered crimes and Vanuatu spouse and children, I will have corruption and milestones in this country’s Thursday was a dark day for media to leave the country. development too. We’re the only ones freedom in the Pacific. When political As the media director and publisher reporting in detail on budgets, laws, elites abuse their authority to silence of Vanuatu’s only daily newspaper, a policies, and yes, government abuses. critical voices, democracy itself suffers. Australian foreign minister, Marise newspaper that has repeatedly held the The Daily Post has a reputation for Payne, spoke about the importance of government uncomfortably to account, reporting without fear or favour in Vanuatu. independent media during her recent visit I believe the government refused my It’s essential to our democracy that this to Vanuatu, and we applauded her for it. application to renew my work visa to continue. It’s a mission that all of us at the silence me and warn other journalists in newspaper take seriously. The Daily Post will fight this abuse of the country not to speak out. The labour commissioner’s decision to reject power just as it always has done. We When I applied for the position of media my work permit came as a shock. The may have progressed since the days director of Vanuatu’s Daily Post I knew Daily Post had been assured by people at when a minister of state and half a dozen it was going to be a tough gig. The the very top that this was an administrative henchmen assaulted Marc Neil-Jones. founder, Marc Neil-Jones, had been matter. My spouse and children are from But clearly, even if tactics have changed, physically assaulted, including by a Vanuatu. When the news came, they spent it seems to me that the political elites government minister. He was imprisoned the evening in tears, suddenly faced with a here still prefer to silence critics rather once, and even deported briefly as a fractured family and an uncertain future. than respond honestly and openly. result of his ground-breaking work in The first sign of a problem occurred in That won’t stand. Our democracy has independent journalism here. July, when the prime minister (whose office matured, and the groundswell of support Reporting the news in a tiny island is responsible for media) summoned me for this newspaper’s work is inspiring and nation, which has a population of roughly personally, and the then head of the Media humbling. 250,000, has all the challenges faced Association of Vanuatu, to complain about These challenges exact an immense by truth-tellers the world over, with an our “negative” coverage. personal cost on us and our families. But added complication: everybody knows The Daily Post had just published a series we won’t shy away from them. With or everybody. The pressures journalists face of articles relating to how the government without me, the Daily Post will continue are extreme. had detained six Chinese nationals – four of to publish without fear or favour.

Page 13 Police raids on journalists not new

Maxwell Newton (third from left) looks on as Commonwealth Police search his home and office in 1969. Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria.

editor of the Australian, which began in into a powerful economic department Dr Patricia Clarke, OAM premises in Mort Street, Canberra on 15 rivalling the power and influence of the Canberra Times July 1964. Less than a year later, he fell Treasury. During the political crisis following 9 Nov 2019 out with the proprietor Rupert Murdoch. the disappearance of the Prime Minister Out of a job, Newton began a subscription Harold Holt in December 1967, McEwen he recent raid on journalist Annika weekly newsletter, Incentive, soon followed linked his refusal to serve under Treasurer Smethurst’s home is not the first by other economic and political newsletters Billy McMahon as prime minister to Ton a Canberra journalist’s home. including Management News, Tariff Week, McMahon’s association with Newton and Fifty years ago, on the morning of 23 Parliamentary and Legislative Review and his policies. McEwen’s escalating attacks on May 1969, Inspector Allan Watt, armed Minerals Week. His newsletters combined Newton raised him a comparatively obscure with Crimes Act search warrants, led aggressive attacks on the protectionist publisher of newsletters reaching only a nine Commonwealth Police in a raid on economic policies of the Liberal-Country few thousand readers to an increasingly the home of journalist Max Newton at Party Coalition Government with a newsworthy, abrasive figure interviewed the corner of Kent Street and Strickland constant stream of leaks from government frequently on TV news and public affairs Crescent, Deakin. During the next 11 hours departments. They were widely read programs and in the press. There was a they searched not just desks and filing by politicians and public servants in surge in interest in his newsletters and his cabinets but toilet cisterns, beds, children’s Canberra, where Incentive became known business flourished. books, telephone directories, cupboards, as “Invective”. Newton’s promotion of Maxwell Newton Publications operated refrigerator, stove, washing machine, soiled free trade enraged John McEwen, the from two houses at Nos 53 and 55 Kent clothing hampers and wastepaper baskets. powerful leader of the Country Party, Street Deakin. The Newton family lived at Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister. The raid was ordered by Federal Cabinet 53 and Richard Farmer at 55. The front McEwen was an ardent proponent of and authorised under two search warrants room of No. 55 was the newsroom and existing policies of high tariffs to protect the space where the newsletters were issued by Justice of the Peace, Henry Australian manufacturing industries. He typed on golf ball typewriters, often in the Tillett, under Section 10 of the Crimes Act. had developed the Department of Trade evening by typists who had other daytime A further search warrant issued on 5 June jobs. The printing press was in the laundry 1969, extended the search to Newton’s and mailing was done from the sunroom bank accounts. The penalty under the of the Newton home. The trigger for the Crimes Act for receiving Government On 8 August 1969, Mr police raids was the leak of a diplomatic information was up to seven years jail. Justice Fox upheld the cable from the Australian Embassy in Paris. Max Newton was publisher of subscription case made for Newton Newton often gloated of his access to newsletters covering politics and that the search confidential government documents which economics, trade and tariff policies. An were dubiously labelled secret to prevent economic journalist, he had been the first warrants were invalid... public scrutiny, a strikingly similar situation to

Page 14 what is happening at present. Immediately after the raid, Newton, his wife and three companies associated with the business AFP Raids: Implications applied to the ACT Supreme Court to quash the search warrants. Mr Justice for Australian Democracy Fox heard the case with Alec Shand appearing for Newton. After sittings on prosecution for publishing stories that Georgia Toohey five days in June 1969 Fox granted an are of public interest, then journalism interim injunction. In his judgment, on 8 UTS Student can no longer serve its vital purpose August 1969, Mr Justice Fox upheld the of holding power to account. Two case made for Newton that the search Georgia is completing a double degree parliamentary inquiries in relation warrants were invalid on a technical point at UTS in Creative Intelligence and to media freedom have since been concerning wording. All seized documents Innovation. Together with two other launched, with reports due to be were returned. While the trigger for the students she undertook an internship released in coming months. raid was the leaked cable, which was with ABC Friends NSW and ACT Free media is a vital component of a relatively unimportant except as a huge his semester I was able to work fully functioning democracy. The raids embarrassment to the government, the aim with ABC Friends to produce are an indication that the media are of the raid was to uncover the sources of T a critical analysis of the AFP under threat. Government interference leaked information on economic, trade and Raids on the ABC. It was fantastic and censorship of the media erode its tariff policies. At the time of the police raid, to collaborate with your wonderful crucial function to inform independently. I was employed by Max Newton to write organisation. To summarise our report, In a democracy, it is not enough to have choice; we must have accessible and edit Tariff Week, one of the Newton I will be outlining what events occurred, information that allows us to make newsletters. I worked in my own home a the response from various parties informed decisions. In matters of public few streets away in Deakin. and the implications of the raids for interest, we have a right to know. This After the raid, Maxwell Newton Publications Australian democracy. is particularly critical in instances of expanded at an unsustainable rate to In the days leading up to the AFP raid abuses of power by state agencies. include Daily Commercial News and on the ABC’s Sydney headquarters, Journalists cannot hope to perform this a string of regional newspapers and two key events transpired. Firstly, 2GB role effectively unless their reporting is investment in a large printing press in reporter Ben Fordham aired a story independent from government influence. a factory building in Newcastle Street, on asylum seeker boats heading to Journalists are critical in ensuring that Fyshwick. Newton aimed to become an Australia, which featured whistleblower important newspaper proprietor to enable those in power are held accountable. information from within the Home Affairs Journalists and their sources have him to reach a far wider audience than he Department. Secondly, the following could with small circulation newsletters. generally not been prosecuted. day, the home of News Corp journalist However, the protections they have Years later he realised that he had “much Annika Smethurst was raided by the formerly enjoyed are now threatened, more influence” when he had newsletters: AFP. The warrant was granted on the mostly we are told on the basis of “The power of ideas is much greater than basis of a story published a year earlier national security. the power of circulation,” he said. detailing that the heads of Defence As a national broadcaster, the ABC Newton’s unstable empire expanded to and Home Affairs had discussed the has a particularly significant role in include a Perth Sunday paper and the possibility of spying on Australian contributing to the health of Australian weekly Melbourne Observer which closed citizens to protect against cyber threats. democracy through its investigative after Newton became bankrupt following Smethurst faces the possibility of journalism. The ABC is largely viewed failed attempts to make money running prosecution. as impartial and accurate, being brothels and publishing pornography. One day later, the ABC’s Sydney revered as Australia’s most trusted By then, he was suffering from a manic headquarters were raided, with police media organisation. The Australian depressive illness fuelled by alcohol and spending more than eight hours going Broadcasting Corporation Act requires drug-induced psychosis. With a large through more than nine thousand the ABC to broadcast programs of debt owing to the Tax Office, he moved to files. This was primarily in relation to educational value, inform the Australian the United States. In the 1980s, Newton a program, the Afghan Files, which community, and reflect Australia’s re-established his career as right-wing went to air in 2016, detailing cases of cultural diversity. These broadcasting economic journalist in America, with the alleged unlawful killing of unarmed principles are fundamental components columns syndicated in the Murdoch civilians by Australian troops. The search of a functional democracy and are press. He became a widely read financial warrant permitted police to access, alter exclusive to the ABC. commentator and author of a book on the and even delete documents. As a result In order for Australians to be well- American monetary system. of the raids, both the ABC and News informed and active citizens, it is He died in America on 23 July 1990, Corp launched legal action contesting essential for journalists to report on aged 61. the warrants. matters of public interest, free from Dr Patricia Clarke, OAM is the former The stories which prompted the raids government interference or fear of President of the Canberra & District contain information which we as citizens prosecution. In a democracy, there is no Historical Society and editor of the have a right to know. If journalists face substitute for a free press. Canberra Historical Journal. Page 15 Reporting Fitzgerald

Keynote ABC Dr Mark Hayes Friends (Qld) presenting his report.

In August 2019 ABC Friends (QLD) dramatic, sensational, investigation and I vividly remember us kicking the idea Committee Member Dr Mark disclosures proving entrenched political around on Australia Day, 1988, and then Hayes gave a lecture to journalism and police corruption, with the Report firming the idea up prior to our return students at the University of recommending how it could be eradicated for the very busy 1988 season, with two Queensland on how ABC TV 7.30 and prevented in future. There have been ‘circuses’ in Brisbane, Expo 88 starting reported the Fitzgerald Inquiry millions of words about the Fitzgerald on April 30 and running for six exciting in the 1980s. Stimulated by his Report but one story has been neglected. months, from whence we’d do dozens ‘brilliant and chilling presentation’ ABC TV’s 7.30 Report, Queensland of stories, and the Fitzgerald Inquiry to the students, ABC Friends edition, had been intensively reporting on continuing in the Court Complex on (QLD) Secretary Dr Vikki Uhlmann the Inquiry since before it commenced George Street. arranged for Mark to present it Hearings on 27 July, 1987, our reportage But also, I recall this incident on 17 August on 20 October at the AGM. She led by Quentin Dempster. 1987, when Commissioner Fitzgerald said ‘It was fascinating to have an But the actual date when we decided to dramatically shut the Inquiry early, warned insider’s account about how the attempt something unique and potentially journalists he, and Counsel Assisting, Gary ABC served its audience so well fraught with our Inquiry coverage remains Crooke, QC, were going to see a witness, during the Inquiry’. unclear. Our earlier reportage was and were not to be followed. The witness Dr Mark Hayes’ report follows. serviceable and worthy but given that the was Assistant Police Commissioner Inquiry could run for months, and indeed (Crime), Graeme Parker, the second Reporting the Fitzgerald had its terms of reference and time frame senior officer to ‘roll over’, admit his Inquiry: A Neglected Part of extended, and knowing the ‘Forces of corruption, and Tell All with immunity from prosecution. Licensing Branch sergeant, History Darkness’ were trying to restrict or even shut the Inquiry down, we had to try Harry Burgess also ‘rolled over’ on 28 On Monday 3 July 1989, a horde of something different. August 1987. Parker, in his wretched, journalists and support staff at the broken, state, fronted the Inquiry on 3 Brisbane Exhibition complex at Bowen We, and Brisbane’s other television November 1987. Quentin rang me from Hills were locked up for several hours to stations, asked the Commissioner if the Inquiry demanding I get some Rosary study and prepare stories on the Fitzgerald we could shoot vision in the Inquiry. Beads for the actor playing Parker to hold Inquiry Report. Not a few Queensland Predictably, denied. Could we do a Pool for that night’s re-enactment of Inquiry politicians, police, and ‘business identities’ Shoot, with one camera and share the evidence. vision? Predictably, denied. were hoping they’d stay locked up, given No one in ABC TV Archives knows the the grief those wretched reptiles of the ‘Why not get actors to re-enact key date of our first re-enactment. After media had caused them. Later that day, parts of the day’s evidence?’ somebody, getting legal advice – ‘stick to the script Commissioner Tony Fitzgerald handed his possibly freelance documentary producer, and you should be fine’ – figuring out Report to Premier Mike Ahern, and Deputy Ross Wilson, who had worked with how to quickly shoot and turn around the Premier Bill Gunn, and Queensland began Quentin on his major documentary on stories at ABC Toowong, involving studio to be transformed. how Queensland worked (The Sunshine directors, make-up artists, refurbishing a It was a culmination of 18 months of System) piped up in March 1986. disused studio as a minimal set, getting

Page 16 some seed money from ABC Queensland the script could be typed for loading into ‘limped’ out of the court precinct. management, TV Current Affairs in the auto-cue for the actors. I prepared ABC TV archives show we did 13 re- Sydney, and even from ABC MD David Hill, any needed extra vision as required, plus enactments over the 18 months of the Quentin and I scoured Brisbane casting any extras shot On the Day of a coming or Inquiry, amounting to over an hour of same agency books for actors who resembled going at the Court precinct. day reportage. The re-enactments rated the characters they were going to play. I Our actors, some of whom also attended very highly in the competitive Queensland ransacked the Brisbane ABC TV Library Inquiry sittings to closely study the television market, were never adversely for every second of vision we thought participants they’d later portray to get cited or mentioned by the Commissioner, we’d need, and copied it on to tapes I vocal delivery, tone, gestures, or fiddlings and were always shown on 7.30 Report kept in my desk drawers so we could grab or gnawings on glasses frames, exactly nationally. needed vision quickly. right, knew they, and we, were engaged Dr Margaret Simons, who reported on While we started with the stenographer in a truly historic process. When we did the Inquiry for The Age newspaper, and assisting Quentin at the Inquiry Press our first re-enactment, we were extremely who was seconded to the Inquiry to help Desk, because the ABC had Legal nervous about the Commissioner’s write the Report so it was readable by Standing before the Inquiry, having helped reaction. Commissioner Fitzgerald ordinary people, recently observed that start it with Chris Masters’ Four Corners periodically criticised media reporting of the re-enactments protected or defended blockbuster, The Moonlight State, we got the Inquiry though no journalist or outlet the Inquiry from the ‘Forces of Darkness’ access to the Court Reporting Bureau, was formally cited for contempt. by accurately, and dramatically, reporting where Court stenographers typed up their The day after our first re-enactment went on the Inquiry’s proceedings, keeping it transcripts of evidence into computers. to air, Quentin, then an Inquiry press in the public eye by the medium of highly Quentin had to note the time and a key bench fixture, was handed an envelope credible television. precis of evidence, scoot up to the Bureau, by a court orderly; ‘This for you from the Reflecting on that historic reportage peer over a stenographer’s shoulder, take Commissioner’. Very nervously he read: long hand notes, rough out his script, and 30 years later, I’m reminded that it phone it to the Toowong newsroom so “Dear Quentin, I realise the ABC is short amply demonstrated the impact and of funds and please do not take this as value of state-based weeknight current a criticism of an otherwise good effort by affairs television done by locals deeply all concerned, but I noticed that the actor knowledgeable in their state’s history, you have employed to portray me in no economics, politics, and culture. way bears my uncanny resemblance to More than once, in recollections of the either Tom Cruise or Robert Redford. Best Fitzgerald Inquiry 30 years later, in the light I’m haunted by wishes, Tony Fitzgerald”. of attempts to water down its lingering Once we were assured the Commissioner innovations and corruption controls, the last lines in liked our efforts, we settled into a routine, observers have lamented the lack of local but only firing up the ‘re-enactments journalistic scrutiny of state politics and Bertol Brecht’s factory’ for significant Inquiry events, such potential mal-administration. allegorical play on as former Police Commissioner Sir Terry On Monday 3 July 1989, 7.30 Report went the rise of Hitler, Lewis, , Bag Man Jack Herbert, ‘Minister Live to Air from Brisbane with a special for Everything’ Russ Hinze, Sir Edward edition on the Inquiry and its Report and The Resistible ‘Top Level Ted’ Lyons, and Sir Joh Bjelke- later won a major journalism award for Rise of Arturo Ui: Petersen. current affairs. We were exhausted after We hesitated about who should play the previous night’s effort, and almost two “Do not rejoice ‘our Joh’. Instead of hiring high priced, years of intensive reportage on the Inquiry. in his defeat, high profile, interstate actors, we found a Quentin said to me “We’d better re-read young actor named Geoff Easdale, who this thing as if we’re the next round of bent you men. For had played Joh at corporate lunches. On coppers, criminals, and politicians, and though the world auditioning him, we were stunned. He was start to think of ways they’ll be trying to get brilliant and did an outstanding job. around this”. has stood up Commissioner Fitzgerald helped us by I’m haunted by the last lines in Bertol and stopped the sometimes ending a day of hearings Brecht’s allegorical play on the rise of by swearing a witness into the box, Hitler, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui: bastard, the bitch asking some perfunctory questions, and “Do not rejoice in his defeat, you men. that bore him is in adjourning for the day. We then knew who For though the world has stood up and was giving evidence the next day and stopped the bastard, the bitch that bore heat again”. could position ourselves in readiness. him is in heat again”. Our last re-enactment, with Geoff Easdale doing his brilliant Joh, went to air on 9 Dr Hayes was a researcher, occasional December, 1988, when Sir Joh Bjelke- reporter and producer, with ABC TV’s Petersen, completed his evidence and, as 7.30 Report, Queensland edition in veteran journalist Evan Witton described it, the 1980s and 90s.

Page 17 Margaret Reynolds President, ABC Friends National Inc ABC Friends National Annual Report 2018-2019

t has been a challenging year for priorities for strengthening the national ABC Friends immediately asked ABC Friends National with major broadcaster was sent to all major Members and Supporters to contact Iefforts focussed on the Federal political party leaders. ABC Friends their local parliamentary representatives Election, our Defend Media Freedom Victoria hosted a very successful to express grave concern about this Campaign and consolidating the national pre-election forum to enable Federal interference with media freedom. Many organisational structure to maximise our political leaders to publicly detail their people responded and indicated their capacity to be an effective national voice communication policies. Unfortunately, support of a Media Freedom Campaign. supporting the ABC. I have very much the Coalition chose not to participate ABC Friends jointly sponsored with ABC appreciated the time and commitment even though then Communications Alumni an open letter in The Saturday given by members of the National Minister Senator Mitch Fifield was based Paper calling on the Federal Government Committee, especially when extra time in Melbourne. However, then Opposition to recommit to Australian media and effort was required. We are all Leader Bill Shorten and Greens Leader freedom. volunteers with other commitments and Senator Richard de Natale attended to In July ABC Friends in partnership constraints, so I do value the support give strong commitment to the ABC and with the Parliamentary Friends initiated given me by the National Committee. detail their policy proposals. the Inaugural Media Freedom Lecture Furthermore, thanks to our members Since the election of the Morrison in Parliament House. Independents, and supporters in all states who enable Government we have welcomed the Andrew Willkie and Rebbekah Sharkie us to continue our collective work in appointment of the Hon Paul Fletcher and Labor Mike Freelander spoke to a advocating for independent Australian as Minister for Communications, Cyber large audience. It is planned to make public broadcasting. Special thanks to Safety and the Arts and look forward this an annual event to maintain a focus those Australians who have donated so to working with him We appreciate the on media freedom as fundamental to generously to assist our campaigning. public voice of ABC Board Chair Ita Australian democracy. Since that event Buttrose and know she will be welcome Federal Election Campaign both Western Australia and Tasmania to visit ABC Friends in all states. have held similar successful forums. Our Federal Election Campaign was We have met on several occasions with dependent on the excellent work of Managing Director David Anderson National Governance and all states focussing on key marginal and senior staff and understand the Communication electorates and working in a variety challenges of the organisation, especially Despite the challenges of 2019, of ways to communicate the risks to when its ability to prepare for the future the National Committee has Australian public broadcasting, including is limited by current funding uncertainty. been able to consolidate its the active efforts of the Institute of Public ABC Friends value the leadership role of organisational management and put Affairs to privatise the ABC. the national broadcaster and know this in place an effective governance and appreciation and trust is shared by an At a national level Ranald Macdonald and communications strategy. In February overwhelming number of Australians. Jeff Waters developed and implemented the National Committee had a two- a strong public awareness social media day meeting in Canberra to finalise Defend Media Freedom campaign based on our “ABC Defenders its election campaign and assess our “strategy. Our key goal was to ensure the Campaign responsibilities as set down by the community considered the importance The June raids by the Australian Federal Australian Charities and Non-Profit of ABC funding and independence in Police on the ABC headquarters, as well Organisations Commission. Thanks to choosing which political candidate to as the home of a News Ltd journalist the pro bono assistance of Phil Butler support. sent shock waves around the country (Institute of Company Directors) we were A ‘Log of Claims’ detailing ABC Friends and indeed was criticised internationally. fully briefed about the responsibilities of

Page 18 National Committee Members who take debates and the activities of all states. I was invited to appear at a Senate on the role of company directors in the Editor Mal Hewitt and his team are Committee Hearing in Sydney. conduct of all aspects of ABC Friends to be complemented on maintaining August 2019-Senate Inquiry into Press governance and financial management such a high standard in producing and Freedom. and report annually. distributing four editions each year. November 2019-Senate Inquiry into In July we launched our national Jackie Deacon maintains a regular Nationhood, National Identity and website with all states except Victoria service alerting us to media coverage Democracy. joining Nationbuilder. Phil Evans, about the ABC and related issues. We the administrator worked with Chris enjoy good working relationship with In conclusion, I would like to record my Cartledge over several months to Matt Peacock, ABC Alumni and special thanks to Ranald Macdonald, develop and fine tune our requirements Jemima Garrett, South Pacific our honorary National Media Adviser and the transition has been effective Broadcasting Network. for several years. His expertise and with only minor adjustments to the new guidance have contributed hugely to system. Chris dedicated a great deal of Parliamentary Submissions: the success of ABC Friends National as his time over more than twelve months ABC Friends National has submitted to we developed our national lobbying and to successfully negotiate this process these Government and Senate reviews communication strategy. I have greatly and we are indebted to him for his total or inquiries. appreciated his wise counsel and know commitment and ongoing support. Phil just how much time and effort he gave July 2018- Review of Australian is also responsible for social media. He to ensure we presented a well-informed Broadcasting Services in the Asia Pacific posts a weekly national news update and professional image in all our activities. Region. and news from the states on request. We recognise Ranald now has other The ABC Friends Newsletter “Update” October 2018-Senate Inquiry into commitments, but he will always be a is of major significance in detailing key Alleged Political Interference in the ABC. valued friend we can rely on for advice.

Page 19 “Furthermore, Scandinavians have human rights specifically protected in their laws and constitutions. They have broad freedom-of-information laws in which State News the right to know often trumps the right to official secrecy. In recent times, they Tasmania democratic society, we are not immune have responded to economic threats to from a downward spiral that has seen traditional media from the internet with Public Forum freedom of the media deteriorating around anti-media-concentration laws.” the world over the past decade. In conjunction with our AGM this year, Peter closed by noting that, in 40 years we held a Public Forum to discuss Press He noted that, in global rankings, we’re of reporting and having lived and worked Freedom. With over 60 people attending, slipping on two crucial fronts. “On press in more than a hundred countries, he our key speakers were Peter George, freedom, Reporters Without Borders now is left with one clear conviction. “It’s Senator Nick McKim, Andrew Willkie MP ranks us 21st in the world - down two that public broadcasting, independent and ABC Friends President Margaret places in a year. New Zealand thrashes of political interference, is a jewel in the Reynolds. Some of the key points made us as 7th in the world. We lag behind crown of a democracy. For all its flaws, its by the speakers: Surinam, Uruguay and Costa Rica - all in perceived biases, its often-narrow cultural a region hardly known for its democratic focuses, institutions like the ABC are Peter George values.” society’s lynchpins with imperatives that “This ranking is particularly concerning are not driven by commercial or political Peter spoke from the perspective of when we learn we’re also slipping on considerations. These are shrinking but a reporter and, particularly, a foreign the Global Corruption Index … back in precious institutions under increasing correspondent. 1995 we were seventh on the scale … attack globally and in increasingly in He reminded us that it is a dangerous our neighbours, the Kiwis, were at the danger of disappearing. Organisations occupation: “As of yesterday, 31 top! Today we’re 13th while the Kiwis like the Friends of the ABC play a truly journalists, six citizen journalists and have slipped a mere one place to second important role not just in preserving public two media assistants have died this behind Denmark.” broadcasting in Australia but in conserving year pursuing the cause of a free-flow of and increasing the public’s right to know.” Peter urged us to look to Scandinavia information. That’s 39 dead in 43 weeks. for our lead as we seek a way ahead. And lest we forget: Saudi journalist, Jamal Senator Nick McKim “Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark Khashoggi, died just 12 months ago in rank consistently as the least corrupt Nick’s address covered the current “Your Turkey at the hands of his own country’s nations, the nations in which the media is Right to Know” campaign. assassins. Moreover, there are at least most free and where trust in news outlets 385 journalists in prison around the world He noted that media/press freedoms are is highest. The reasons seem clear. For … those that we know of.” crucial to a well-functioning democracy the most part Scandinavian nations have and are part of the architecture that holds Peter took us through a range of constitutional protections for freedom of power to account. “So they need to be international reports and data, noting that speech and of the press. Sweden’s laws not unreasonably fettered. The current while Australia remains a strong, open, led the way - they originated in 1776.” situation has a chilling effect on those

Public Forum Panel. Left to right: Senator Nick McKim, Peta Fitzgibbon (MC), Peter George, Andrew Wilkie MP, Margaret Reynold. Photo by Lara van Raay.

Page 20 who seek to provide us with information that should be in the public domain. In the past 20 years, over 200 pieces of legislation have been passed at Federal, State and Territory levels that act to take away our rights.” Nick asked us to consider the role of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. “It is a closed shop, meeting behind closed doors with representation from the Liberals and Labor only. Everything comes out of there with bipartisan support and then becomes law. This leads to the problem we are here to discuss, erosion of press freedom, but that is not all these laws do.” He urged us to think about Bernard Collaery and Witness K. “Bernard Collaery is being tried in secret as we meet. The prosecution was signed off by Attorney- Tasmanian Committee 2019-2020. Left to right: Margaret Reynolds (President), General, Christian Porter. So there is no Peta Fitzgibbon (Vice-President), Kevin O’Dea, Kate Durkin (Secretary), Peter comfort in the recent assurance that the Tatham, Anna Wylie, Anne O’Byrne (Northern Convenor) Absent: Rowan Wylie Attorney-General’s sign-off is needed (Treasurer), Anne Layton-Bennett, Ros Stoddart (Southern Convenor). Photo by before journalists will be prosecuted - this Lara van Raay. will not operate as a safeguard.” Nick argued that we also need to look at the behaviour of the Australian Federal independent media. • after the raids, contacting all of our Police (AFP). “There were two significant members and supporters urging them to He told us of his own story dating back reports based on leaks published in the respond if they wanted to be defenders to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. “The week Australian prior to the raids - the one by of media freedom (Margaret noted the before, I resigned from an intelligence Annika Smethurst reporting discussions phenomenal response from Tasmania) agency in Canberra and went to Laurie of new powers for the Australian Signals Oakes, revealing that the official case for • using those responses as a critical Directorate, allowing them to spy on war was dishonest.” part of our campaign literature and our Australian citizens for the first time, submission to the Senate Parliamentary and one reporting Departmental advice Andrew reminded us that whistleblowing in Inquiry into Media Freedom suggesting that the Medivac Bill would Australia is a hard thing to do. “My story effectively dismantle offshore detention, of survival and eventual success is close to • asking each of the respondents to boosting the Government’s position on the unique. The normal path is to risk all and contact their local member Bill. The AFP investigated one only.” lose much, including your job and your • with the Parliamentary Friends Group friends, being left to pick up the pieces of He discussed the new metadata law that Co-Convenors, organising the Inaugural your life when the media has moved on. means our Internet Service Providers are ABC Friends National Defend Media The toll often includes death threats and required to keep our data for two years Freedom Lecture at the Parliamentary the suicide rate for whistleblowers is high. and that it can be accessed without Theatre in Parliament House. There is no up side to it.” warrant by intelligence agencies. “When She also gave us a bit of history ….. “For this law was first proposed, it included He noted that the media needs sources, those of you not familiar with the life of journalists’ metadata. An out clause for and whistleblowers need media prepared Andrew Bent, we have produced a flyer journalists was successfully argued. Thus to listen and brave enough to report with his biography. In 1824 he challenged the media’s self-interest was addressed; their stories. “They get some degree of Colonial Governor Arthur’s right to censor so they went quiet on the laws after that.” protection by the fact of the story being the news in the Hobart Town Gazette. out there. The heightened profile can lead “This is a warning for us about potential Bent was subsequently gaoled for his to protection from prosecution.” Government responses to the Right to determination to present news free of Know campaign. We need solutions / Andrew concluded with a call for us to government interference. It is appropriate responses that are about all Australians, embrace and support whistleblowers. that we Tasmanians are at the forefront of not just media self-interest. We need a “We should ensure there is effective the Friends’ campaign as Hobart was the Charter of Rights.” legislation wrapped around them.” birthplace of the fight for press freedom in Australia.” Andrew Wilkie MP Margaret Reynolds Forum Q & A Andrew focussed on the issue of Margaret outlined the key elements of the whistleblowing, arguing that we need to contribution the Friends’ National body has Following the forum, the four speakers be talking about this at the same time made as part of the wider media freedom responded to audience questions seeking as we are talking about a free and campaign including: suggestions for individual action on media

Page 21 State News freedom and tackling public apathy. Responses included: • Don’t sit with people who agree with you • Talk to people - could be a chat over the fence with a neighbour, a letter to a newspaper, interact on social media • Keep working at Genuine engagement • Remember that people who might not care about media freedom as such do care about the right to know and about misconduct. Talk with them about the role of the media in facilitating uncovering that misconduct Above: At the Gardeners’ Market in October. Below: Sophie’s Patch. • Remember that you get what you vote for Annual General Meeting At our AGM we acknowledged the wonderful work done over many years by our two retiring Committee members, Vice-President Fay Gervasoni and Treasurer Belinda Wright. We welcomed two new Committee members, Anna Wylie and Anne Layton-Bennett. Kate Durkin Secretary, ABC Friends Tas

South Australia/Northern talk about her work at the ABC and her Mihir Makwana (Treasurer), Rosemary Territory passion for our national broadcaster. Over Abbott (Membership Officer) and Since ABCF SA/NT’s last report we have afternoon tea, Deb cut our magnificently Committee Members: Wendy Parsons, had our AGM. This was held on 18 August decorated cake celebrating 30 years of Andrew Johnston, Roselie Copley and at the CWA. There was a good turn out to Gardening Australia. Our new committee Tina Phillips. hear our guest speaker, Deb Tribe, ABC for 2019-2020 comprises: Sue Pinnock On 12 Oct we had a stall at the spring Adelaide Radio producer and presenter, (President), Sandra Coopman (Secretary), ABC’s Gardeners’ Market held in the

Our AGM in August.

Page 22 pics, and highlights of the presentations. At the end of the forum the following motion was passed unanimously: This meeting of concerned citizens expresses its deep concern about the raids on the ABC and the home of NewsCorp journalist Annika Smethurst, and the erosion of press freedoms. We call on the Attorney- General, Christian Porter, to urgently review the current legislation to ensure the right of journalists to do their job without threat of prosecution, to protect their sources, and to safeguard the public’s right to know.

With Catherine Zengerer ABC Adelaide Acting Head of Content. The motion was subsequently sent in a letter to the Attorney–General. A response from his department was received some ABC carpark. 7000 people attended approach to gardening is quite remarkable weeks later in the form of a detailed and over $22,400 (gold coin donation and it was wonderful to see such a two-page letter about the role of the AFP, entry fees and stall fees) was raised for beautiful and “working” garden. Sophie national security, the importance of press CanTeen by all those attending the market. was entertaining and informative. Over freedom to democracy etc. I’m quite sure Much interest was shown in our ABC morning tea, made from produce from the ABC Friends is not the only correspondent Friends raffle (including a children’s free “Patch”, people said how much they had on this topic who has received a version of raffle). Email addresses were invited from enjoyed themselves. that reply. people seeking more information about On 24 Nov we will be holding our End Other Activities our organisation. Catherine Zengerer of Year luncheon at the Maylands Hotel. (ABC Adelaide Acting Head of Content) Forty-five people (including 16 non- Apart from learning to use our new made contact with us and happily joined members) will be in attendance. Rick membership system, we have also been committee members on the stand for a Sarre, Dean of Law and Professor of Law writing to the new WA-based federal photo. and Criminal Justice at the University of politicians seeking their views on the ABC. Sue was asked to be guest speaker at South Australia will be our guest speaker. Though replies were relatively supportive, a luncheon, on 12 November, held by His topic will be “Media Freedom”. It will they mostly seemed to be form letters the Burnside Pioneer VIEW Club (BPV) be a relaxing and timely finale to the year. stating party policy, which seems to be the which is a national women’s organisation Many thanks to members of ABCF SA/ way of things nowadays. (non-religious, non-political) supporting NT over the past year for your on-going The day before our AGM, on that hot and advocating for the education of young support. Without it, we would not be able November day, a few ABC Friends went disadvantaged Australians through the to do the work we do. to the ABC Open House to hand out flyers Smith Family. Sue spoke to the group of All the best for the coming festive season. and chat with the people in the queue, about 25 women about ABC Friends SA/ sheltering in the shade of the building. Sue Pinnock NT and National, including our history, There were so many people – we were President, ABC Friends SA and NT mission and objectives. She gave an told later that more than 2,000 came over overview of the events 2014-2019 to six hours to look inside their ABC on this demonstrate the issues the ABC faces. sweltering day. It was so hot and busy Sue was well received and members of Western Australia we forgot to take any photos! I did have the audience commented that they did not WA Friends has been busy since the last some time off (in the air-conditioning) to realise what ABC Friends does. It is hoped edition of Update. take a guided tour through the sets and some memberships will be generated out production areas of the TV series The of this event. We will see! Forum on Press Freedom Heights, currently making its second Having worked hard representing our We held a forum, Freedom of the Press?, series in the large studios on the ground members in support of the independence in the theatre of the State Library of WA on floor of ABC Perth. Studio 620, where we and proper funding of the ABC leading up Wednesday evening 28 August. This was previously held our meetings, was fully to the May Federal election, the committee a free event for people concerned about occupied by the set of Iris’s corner deli. decided to end the year with two social press freedom and democracy. The forum Thanks to our volunteers Val, Cathy, Terri events. was hosted by former ABC Perth senior and Jenny. political reporter Peter Kennedy, with three Forty-nine of us (including 24 non- Annual General Meeting members) visited Sophie’s Patch on great speakers, Dr. Joseph Fernandez, 26 October at Mount Barker. Sophie Mignon Shardlow and Neale Prior. Visit This year’s AGM was held on Sunday our website – abcfriends.org.au/wa – for personally showed us around her property 17 November on the second floor of the information about the host and speakers, and explained how it operates. Her holistic ABC Centre in East Perth. I’m pleased

Page 23 prestigious New York City Ballet Company, unless you had tickets, you’ve missed it. State News and her studies at Edith Cowan University If you did have tickets, hope you had a leading to a new career in journalism, great night. to report that a committee of seven has joining the ABC in 2015. Refreshments ABC Friends WA wishes all members been formed and office-holders elected as followed the AGM as people mingled and a happy and safe festive season and follows: Briana stayed on to chat. A special thank Happy New Year 2020. you to Cathy for saving the day when she Bobbie Mackley President went to collect our food order to find that Bobbie Mackley Cathy Bardon Vice-President/Secretary it wasn’t there – as we later learned, the President, ABC Friends WA caterer had the wrong date. Following the Liz Millward Treasurer AGM, at a very short meeting of the new Committee members committee, Cathy Bardon was nominated Queensland Terri Brown, Michael Dowling, Janet as one of the two WA representatives on In the August Update, we concluded our Matthews and Jenny Meyrick. the committee of ABC Friends National. Update State report with the following: Thanks to departing committee members According to WA Rules, the president is “Over the coming months ABC Friends an automatic appointee, so I continue in Elizabeth Long and Bevan Carter for their (Qld) will flesh out our strategic plan, that role for the new term. efforts during the term just gone, thanks collated in July, and put considerable to those who have re-nominated, and effort into increasing membership and Christmas Dinner welcome to new committee member and our coverage across this vast State”. Treasurer Liz Millward. We are looking forward to our Christmas Over the recent months, the committee Our guest speaker for the AGM was Dinner at Bentley Training Restaurant has developed strategies to enable the Briana Shepherd, who you may have with special guests ABC Local Queensland branch to better engage seen on your ABC screens presenting the Radio Afternoons presenter Gillian with Queensland communities. These News (the late evening News bulletin is O’Shaughnessy and her husband, well- are the strategies we have developed broadcast from Perth). Briana spoke about known journalist and broadcaster Glynn and are currently working on: her family’s significant involvement with Greensmith. Unfortunately, by the time you • Provide clear statement of FABC ballet in Perth, her time as a ballerina in the read this, the event will be in the past, so concerns • Raise awareness of ABC charter, history and structure • Generate more supporters • Link with QCWA (Qld Country Women’s Association) • Create Associate Membership category. • Use social media to target bushfire- prone communities re ABC’s emergency assistance. • Establish other branches to extend reach. • Hold market stalls, including at Woodford.

Above: Forum on Press Freedom. Photo: E. Long. Below: WA AGM – speaker As the year progresses, we can report Briana Shepherd, Bobbie Mackley and Cathy Bardon. Photo: M. Dowling. on our progress to date. The main strategy we are currently focussing on is the Woodford Folk Festival. We have a stall at the Festival and will have merchandise available as well as a forum where the topic will be press freedom. Last year’s Festival was very successful with plenty of donations and a large database of interested people which transformed into a sizeable membership gain. We hope to do even better this year. In October, we had our AGM which was well attended (compared to previous years). All current incumbents of the various positions were returned.

Page 24 These are: President, Ross McDowell Secretary, Vikki Uhlmann Treasurer, Kent Eising At the AGM, Dr Mark Hayes gave a very interesting presentation on the ABC’s role in the reporting of the Fitzgerald Inquiry. Refer pages 16 & 17 of this issue. Kent Eising Treasurer, ABC Friends Qld

Victorian State ABC Friends

President’s Report to the 2019 AGM Your ABC soldiers on. Of course it is not perfect, but, given the cuts imposed by Government since 2014, and the constant hostility it faces from a range Peter Monie. of organisations and individuals, it does remarkably well and often outperforms expectations.

Victorian Marginal Seats meetings, at pre-polling and on Election Another way in which we are building Day where we had reps at many polling strong, active, well-informed groups Campaign for the ABC booths. Each group sought meetings with of ABC activists is by holding regular Thanks to you, our members and local candidates to survey their policies meetings of local group people and supporters, 2019 has been a year in concerning public broadcasting and the volunteers – to provide briefings, to receive which we have been able to fight a strong ABC. Not all candidates agreed to meet feedback and to ensure that groups campaign for the ABC – both before and our representatives. Some candidates have the resources they need to get the right up to the election. The April Federal were quite aggressive in their approach. messages out there. Budget confirmed the LNP’s plans for Thanks to the generosity of members 11 May Rally further cuts to the ABC of $85 million over and supporters, the Victorian Committee 3 years. The recent ABC announcement was able to back up these vital on- A major pre-election event was the May 11 about the Olympics broadcasting has ground activities with an Eleven Billboard Rally at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, caused a stir, but some cutbacks are Campaign- across Melbourne and conducted in association with ABC Alumni, and organised by ABC Friends Victoria inevitable. Geelong, posters in trains over many in less than two weeks. All major federal Meanwhile, your Victorian Committee, weeks, banners on freeway overpasses leaders were invited – the Greens and the with very strong support from local groups (all legal!), corflute signs on front fences ALP were represented, but the PM and of ABC Friends supporters, was very – and so on. And we even had an advert Deputy PM were not available. We were active in our Marginal Seats campaign. in Rupert’s Weekly Times with its national proud of the professional presentation The Marginal Seats Sub-Committee regional reach – the Tim Fischer message we managed on that day, and of course with Marcus May, Rosie Spear and Sally was “Regional Australia would be like your support in filling Deakin Edge to the Moseby worked very closely with groups Siberia without the ABC”. So we reached a gunnels made for very impressive news on the ground in six marginal seats – lot of Victorians with our messages. reports on most stations that evening. Chisholm, Corangamite, Deakin, Dunkley, We thank all of you who volunteered We are now gearing up for a campaign LaTrobe, and Macnamara. And results your support and in many cases had in 2020 to extend the fight in regional were achieved in a campaign where we to put up with abuse and “standover Victoria. Most recently a group has met were actively asking voters to consider tactics” while handing out pro-ABC in Bendigo with a view to starting another the ABC before deciding which party leaflets during the election campaign. You local group. We would be very glad to get to support. Corangamite, Dunkley and know you are having an impact when your thoughts, whether individually or from Macnamara fell to Labor, and Gladys Lui this sort of aggression occurs. And there groups, as we plan our 2020 campaign. just scraped home in Chisholm. were a number of complaints about us At the same time we need to continue Each chosen Marginal Seat Campaign made to the AEC – all of which we dealt to build our membership and supporter was managed by a local group. The with quickly. Many of these complaints base. I hope you have all got copies of the on-ground activities involved handing out appeared to come from complainants in special “Gift Membership” form – makes thousands of flyers – at railway stations, the seats of Kooyong, Chisholm, Deakin – a lovely Climate-sympathetic Christmas shopping centres, festivals, political but I’m sure they occurred elsewhere. present. Page 25 Leighanne Hunt has taken on the role The NSW and ACT Awards Night was held State News of Membership Officer. The following in late November. The event was held at were elected as Committee Members: the NSW Teachers Federation, a strong Ireen Allanson, Geoff Brann (Minute supporter of the Friends. The evening The AFP and journalistic Secretary), Sybille Frank, Tess Howes, began with a presentation by Georgia freedom Janine Kitson, Peter Lindenmayer, Jason Toohey, a student at UTS studying Creative A major issue, in the latter part of this year, Lowe (Events Coordinator), Gia Metherell, Intelligence and Innovation. Together with has been the fallout resulting from the raids Cassandra Parkinson, Nora Preston and another student, she has been engaged by the AFP on Annika Smethurst of News Diana Wyndham. The meeting adopted on an internship with NSW Friends looking Ltd and the ABC at Ultimo. For once in a reports from the President, Treasurer, at the AFP Raid on the ABC and broader generation, the ABC and News Ltd seem Secretary and Events Coordinator. A implications. She presented a thoughtful to be in agreement – on something – but, motion to award Life Membership to and well-argued address pointing to the don’t be fooled: the ABC’s enemies are still Professor Neville Jennings, in recognition dangers for Australian democracy when bent on its destruction. of his outstanding work for ABC Friends whistleblowers are silenced and journalists Northern Rivers, was carried unanimously. muffled. Democracy requires an informed The freedom of journalists to do their job, without fear or favour, has been brought into stark focus. The related issues of protection of sources and whistleblowers are front and centre here, and have been Left: Angela taken up strongly at the parliamentary Williamson enquiries currently underway. singing ABC Campaign Peter Monie Song. Below: President, ABC Friends Inc Vic Ed, Nizza, Matt, Mal, Max. Bottom: NSW and ACT Audience listen to Mal The NSW and ACT Committee organised play Danny three major events between the beginning Boy. of September and the end of November. There was a full house for the Annual Dinner in early September when ABC Chair, Ita Buttrose, delivered a compelling address emphasising her commitment to fight for a high quality and independent ABC. This is covered more fully on page 6 of this Update. The AGM was held in late October and was attended by approximately 100 members. As a warm-up to the usual business, former ABC journalist and 7.30 presenter Quentin Dempster and Sandra Levy, former Head of Drama and later Director of TV at the ABC and former CEO of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, shared their thoughts on the major challenges facing the ABC. Both pointed to the urgent need to restore funding to the ABC and for media across Australia to resist the serious threats to independent reporting. The strong message was that journalists should not face prosecution for doing their jobs. The contributions from Quentin and Sandra were greatly appreciated. Nizza Siano kindly undertook the role of Returning Officer. She declared that Professor Ed Davis was re-elected as President; Mal Hewitt as VP, Margaret Whealy as Treasurer and Angela Williamson as Secretary and Membership Secretary. As discussed at the meeting,

Page 26 electorate. Georgia and her fellow students Australian democracy. We see the ABC the independent operation of the national were thanked for their engagement with as a most important player in Australian broadcaster. Friends. media, with special obligations to report Our recommendation is that Australian news accurately and impartially. We are Matt Peacock was presented with a governments commit 0.5% of Federal very concerned indeed at the AFP’s raids NSW and ACT ABC Friends Award for Government Expenditure to funding the on the ABC, and, indeed on the home his decades of outstanding service to the ABC and that they establish longer term of Annika Smethurst. We believe that the ABC. Matt joined the ABC in 1973 as a frameworks for this funding so that ABC raids should not have taken place and trainee on This Day Tonight. Early in his funding is de-coupled from the electoral are very critical of actions that appear career he discovered the wicked impact cycle. of asbestos on the health of workers in designed to intimidate journalists and their ABC Friends submit that properly the industry and on the community more organisations and to curtail the flow of funded, strong and independent generally. He pursued this story for the important information to Australian citizens. public broadcasting plays a vital role next forty years and played a huge role in The public’s right to know is at risk. in maintaining the health of Australian seeing major changes in the regulations This submission has pointed to the democracy. governing the mining of asbestos and discussions and apparent agreement of improved compensation for victims. His countries, including Australia, at the Global The PJCIS is due to deliver its report in book on James Hardie, Killer Company, Conference on Media Freedom in London the week before Christmas (!), the Senate was published in 2009. Matt’s career on the vital importance of media freedom. inquiry in March 2020 and the Nationhood included a stint as the ABC’s Chief Political ABC Friends recommends that this Senate Inquiry report is due around mid-year. Correspondent in Canberra and spells Inquiry reminds the federal government in London, Washington and New York. of its commitment to media freedom and Visits and Talks Matt was the Staff-Elected Director on the urges it to ensure that its agencies respect It has been a pleasure to visit a number ABC Board during the turbulent 2013-18 and uphold media freedom in Australia. As of our Branches. I attended the AGM of years and on retiring from the ABC, he Amal Clooney declared at the conference, the Hunter Branch in early September. played a leading role in the establishment governments must ‘make sure that their This has been a thriving branch for many of the ABC Alumni. He has also been a laws respect media freedom, and that their years and well led by Margaret and very good Friend, supporting our efforts in police, prosecutors, judges and citizens do Robert Connors and Allan Thomas. After the Wentworth by-election and the 2019 the same’. many years of great service, Margaret federal election and speaking recently A further Parliamentary inquiry, and Robert are handing the baton to at Friends’ events in Armidale and Port established on 29 July was an Inquiry Col Lawrence and Anne Kirsten. On Macquarie. Matt’s award was very warmly into Nationhood, National Identity and 6 October, I attended the Northern applauded and three other former ABC Democracy, conducted by the Senate’s Suburbs of Sydney meeting, attended staff-Elected Directors were there to assist Legal and Constitutional Affairs References by approximately 100 members. It was with the celebrations: Jon Cleary, Quentin Committee. great to hear Jonathan Holmes on current Dempster and Kirsten Garret. They were threats to media freedom in Australia. most welcome. The evening was rounded The Friends’ submission to this inquiry Warmest congratulations to Janine Kitson off with Mal Hewitt treating us to a piece concluded: and her new Committee. They have hit the on his violin and several carols sung by This Inquiry is right to be concerned ground running. In November, I attended Angela and accompanied by Mal. at the state of democracy in Australia. Branch meetings in Northern Rivers and There is abundant evidence of increased Submissions on the Central Coast. The Northern Rivers public reliance on the platforms of the meeting was in the skilful hands of Jennie Two parliamentary inquiries were tech giants for news and information and Hicks and Peter Dixon and saw the award established into the AFP’s raids in June reasonable grounds for concern at the of Life Membership to Professor Neville on the home of Annika Smethurst and the tide of misinformation and news distortion Jennings. There was also a strong turn- ABC’s Ultimo office: on the 4th July, an that is linked to this change. The older out and lively discussion at Gosford. My Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of and ever more concentrated commercial thanks to Ross McGowen and his hard- law enforcement and intelligence powers media have been under significant working committee. on the freedom of the press, conducted challenge; their advertising revenue has by the Parliamentary Joint Committee shrunk and among other repercussions I have been invited to give talks to several on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) and have been major cuts to news and current organisations about the challenges facing on the 23rd July, a Senate inquiry, to be affairs programs. Within this context, the ABC. These have included: the Sydney chaired by Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, the role of the ABC as Australia’s major Mechanics School of Arts, Retired Telstra into The adequacy of Commonwealth public broadcaster, charged with the Members and North Sydney’s Sunrise laws and frameworks covering the responsibility of providing accurate and Rotary. disclosure and reporting of sensitive and impartial news and information, is of critical On behalf of the NSW and ACT classified information, conducted by importance. And yet, federal governments Committee, our very best wishes the Environment and Communications have continued to cut funding for the ABC. for Christmas and the New Year to References Committee. It is the plea and urgent recommendation all members. Come back refreshed, Friends presented a submission to this of this submission that the federal energised and determined to fight for our latter inquiry. Its conclusion was: government commit to improved and ABC in 2020. It is the very strong view of ABC Friends stable funding for the ABC. Of equal Professor Ed Davis that a free media is vital for the health of importance, government must commit to President NSW & ACT Page 27 NSW Branch News

kicking off the new year with a Planning members can then have a break or move ACT Afternoon on Saturday 1 February to on. We are very thankful to our past and discuss activities for the year. Former new colleagues on the Armidale branch Our branch is centred on Canberra ABC journalist and newsreader Virginia committee for taking on these roles. The (although with members in surrounding Haussegger has agreed to speak at the AGM was followed by a very informative regional areas) and so we are seeking workshop. All welcome to these meetings, and engaging talk by Professor Don Hine to develop links with and support the so email us at [email protected] if you’d (from University of New England) on the activities of the Parliamentary Friends of like to get more involved. Extinction Rebellion movement. It gave the ABC. In October branch members one renewed respect for those making met with Hon Darren Chester, the National Peter Lindenmayer Co-Convenor, ABC Friends ACT & Region principled stands on the critical issue of Party member for Gippsland and the only climate change and implications for the Coalition member among the four Co- long-term state of our planet. As with Convenors of Parliamentary Friends. We Armidale Branch public broadcasting, the best available had a useful discussion and exchange evidence should direct the discussion, of views. As a Minister (for Veterans and In August the Armidale branch received without fear or favour. Indeed, sometimes Defence Personnel) Mr Chester was clearly a response to our petition to the Federal the Emperor has no clothes on. sticking to the Government’s position on Parliament for a stronger Radio National Bruce Stevenson ABC funding, but acknowledged both signal in Armidale (720 AM). Currently one President, ABC Friends Armidale its national importance and the particular need only go 10 to 30 kms out of town value of the ABC in regional areas such as and RN reception degrades and is soon his electorate. Mr Chester made the point lost, with no reception until it is picked that “the ABC needs friends, both inside up on another frequency. Paul Fletcher Blue Mountains and outside Parliament, including on our (Minister for Communications, Cyber Blue Mountains Friends has enjoyed a very side”, and said that he planned to work Safety and the Arts) explained that AM/FM active and fulfilling year, from participating with the other Co-Convenors (Andrew frequencies run the risk of interfering with in local events prior to the Federal Election Wilkie, Sarah Hanson-Young, Rebekha each other, hence the need to limit signal such as Springwood Foundation Day Sharkie and Mike Freelander) to promote strength. That said, he added we should and hosting our Macquarie Electorate the work of Parliamentary Friends. contact the ABC directly with our concerns Candidates Forum. During our Friends With post-election media raids focussing as a change to FM might help. Election Campaign, we engaged one-on- attention on the rights of journalists, our Our group also made a submission one with many voters at railway stations branch supported a seminar on media (September), in support of press freedom, and shopping centres, and at pre-polling freedom organised by Manning Clark to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the and polling stations. We were challenged House. number of high profile speakers Adequacy of Commonwealth Laws and in the Hawkesbury area, the northern half (including Senator Rex Patrick, Jack Frameworks Covering the Disclosure of our electorate, where we were met Waterford, Alison Broinowski) this attracted and Reporting of Sensitive and Classified with much negativity around the ABC. a capacity crowd of over 100, providing Information. This inquiry coincides with the Fortunately, our Federal member Susan a good overview of the issues and current convergence of Australian media Templeman, is a strong advocate of the highlighting the important role that whistle organisations in support of press freedom. ABC. In her Friends Election Questionnaire blowers play in maintaining a healthy response, she stated that she was, In October Matt Peacock, co-founder of democracy. “encouraged by the advocacy of ABC the ABC Alumni Association and currently Friends and through that awareness, Some of our group also held an informal chair of its board, accepted our invitation now have a determination to support the meeting with Jason Jingshi Li, a Canberra- to present a public talk in Armidale on security and longevity of the ABC”. based member of the ABC Advisory The future of investigative reporting. He Council. We were impressed with Jason’s covered his experiences over a long career Two hard-hitting passionate letters from clear commitment to the ABC, and hope as a journalist, particularly his work on Blue Mountains Friends were published to maintain contact, helping him to bring James Hardie and the asbestos diseases in the Blue Mountains Gazette, under the a broad range of views to the Council and scandals, and emphasised the importance big bold heading, “Future if ABC in political also to learn from his experience. of public broadcasting. About 100 people spotlight”, on the Opinion page. And congratulations to branch members attended this creative and inspiring talk. Our members must be congratulated on Gia Metherell and Nora Preston, who join At our November 2019 AGM, with an their volunteering efforts, and dedication me on the NSW & ACT Committee. attendance of about 30, three office to the cause of promoting and defending The ACT & Region group now has a new holders retired – our secretary, treasurer Our ABC! Clearly, ongoing recruitment of meeting location at the Canberra Club (51 & publicity – to be replaced by three new Friends, especially in the younger cohorts, Blackall St, Barton), and meets at 6.00 pm people. Community groups are often must be a focus for us in 2020. on the second Tuesday of odd-numbered seeking new people to carry the group We must acknowledge the generous months (commencing in March). We’ll be forward, while long serving committee support of NSW/ACT Friends,

Page 28 28 March next year. Our amazing long- serving Blue Mountains branch members Barry and Bev Redshaw will be heading up this new branch. On the NSW/ACT ABC Friends calendar for 2020, this will be a major event. Watch this space! Sue Noske President, ABC Friends Blue Mountains

Central Coast Report On Friday 13 September, ABC Friends held a function featuring Sharon Carleton at the Central Coast Leagues Club. Sharon has been a television reporter for This Helen Grasswill Guest Speaker at Blue Mountains branch AGM 2019. Day Tonight and the 7.30 Report as well as a compere of Statewide in WA and Nationwide in Canberra. She has been without whose financial support and a Walkley Award, peer-voted Logie awards awarded the Paul Tonkin Memorial Prize encouragement we could not have staged and human rights awards. Helen is now and the Michael Daly Award for Science, our campaign. Lessons learned this year retired, leaving the ABC on a high, with Technology and Engineering Journalism. will undoubtedly inform our next Friends two Walkley nominations. She has clocked Sharon’s work includes contributions to election campaign in 2022. up 50 years in journalism, including 27 the Science Show on Radio National, Most recently, on 16 November, after our years at the ABC. these reports were the focus of her AGM, we were privileged to introduce Co-founder of ABC Alumni, (alongside presentation on 13 September. In 2017 Helen Grasswill as our Guest Speaker. Matt Peacock and Greg Wilesmith), Helen she reported on the contribution of H.G. Our advertising slogan for this event was is also the Alumni contact person for Wells to science and the high regard that “Meet the dynamic Australian behind coordinating guest speakers. Modestly, the scientific community had for his writing. Australian Story”. Helen is a distinguished, Helen advised that she hadn’t seen This was due to his knowledge and ability high profile media and television journalist, herself in the role of guest speaker. At a to identify new developments in science author, editor and television program- branch meeting, it was overwhelmingly and speculate about their impact upon maker and producer of the acclaimed agreed that Helen would be a wonderful society. In a 1993 broadcast, Sharon was documentary series Australian Story for 22 guest speaker, if she was willing to able to interview the remarkable Miriam years. Indeed, she has produced over 100 accept our invitation! Luckily for us, she Rothschild. Among her achievements Australian Stories! Helen is the recipient of agreed. Helen’s address was enlightening, was the discovery that a species of flea entertaining, synchronised its breeding cycle with that of revealing and a rabbit, the rabbit’s hormones controlling inspiring. Helen the development of the flea’s eggs. This shared many ABC discovery was crucial in controlling the insider insights rabbit population in Australia. Miriam with us. She spoke Rothschild also discovered that caterpillars about her concerns sequester the poison from plants and store for the future of the them, making themselves unpalatable to ABC, the vital role of birds. She campaigned for many years the Alumni, and of to make the British public aware of its course, Australian wildflower heritage and assisted Prince Story. She addressed Charles in planting an experimental an appreciative wildflower meadow at his country estate audience of over of Highgrove to assist with their continued 60 Friends (and preservation. Miriam Rothschild’s hopefully, potential contributions to Science and Technology Friends). A fantastic may include the use of the seatbelt in cars. speaker. Thank you When she saw them being used in aircraft again Helen! on her parent’s estate she realised the possibility of using them in cars and made Our members will recommendations to manufacturers. be attending the launch of the much- Another Science Show program on the anticipated and first synthetic dye, mauve, described hugely-important how the dye was instrumental in the Barry and Bev Redshaw, Helen Grasswill, Sue Noske, development of chemotherapy in the Margaret Foy and Angela Williamson at Blue Mountains Western Suburbs of 1800s. Purple was first obtained by the branch AGM 16 November 2019 Sydney ABC Friends branch, on Saturday Phoenicians and Minoans from a species

Page 29 our Christmas party on 7 December at NSW Branch News the Terrigal Hotel, commencing at 12.00, we look forward to seeing old friends situation within the ABC, the direction and hopefully some new members at this the organisation is likely to take under its event. new managing director and chairperson Ross McGowen and the challenges confronting both Convenor, ABC Friends Central Coast management and staff. He also reviewed the efforts of ABC Friends National to preserve the ABC’s viability and Northern Rivers independence in the face of reduced Federal funding, increased competition During this election year we threw our from social media and streamed programs, efforts behind those who supported us – the relentless criticism of News Limited Labor, Greens and the Together Party in and the antipathy of prominent politicians. the Senate, but to no avail. We needed to There was a unanimous feeling of consider strategies for the next electoral admiration for the efforts of Ed and the cycle. After thanking the above, we state executive and unwavering support decided to go evangelical with the local for our campaign on behalf of the ABC. Nats. The intended charm offensive had to Finally, our last function this year will be be moderated when two Amendment Sharon Carelton with ABCF.

of marine snail. The dye comes from a gland in the mollusc and when oxidised turns purple. So prestigious was the colour that Roman emperors decreed that only the royal household could use it. Our audience was fascinated by these and other programs that Sharon shared with us that evening. The contributions that broadcasters such as Sharon and Robyn Williams have made to Science reporting have been immensely valuable. These wonderful programs could not have been produced without a viable public broadcaster obliged by its charter to inform the public about science. On 9 November we were delighted to receive a visit from our NSW State President, Emeritus Professor Ed Davis. Members of ABC Friends, Jennie Hicks,Sandy Copely,Peter Dickson with Neville Ed spoke eloquently about the current Jennings at ABC Friends Award presentation.

Bills were again introduced which could have the effect of threatening the ABC`s Charter and splitting the ABC along a city/ country divide. We have now reminded the Member for Page of the potentially disastrous effect of his party`s policies and again requested a meeting to discuss the issues facing the ABC. So far no response has been received other than the usual robocall reply. Our AGM was held in early November with Ed Davis, National Vice President, as our guest speaker. He identified the current drastic cuts of $84m to ABC funding over the next three years, the loss of further jobs and the recent AFP media raids as major causes of concern. The AFP raids have sparked outrage across the media Central Coast Sharon Carleton with ABCF. and resulted in a “Your Right to Know”

Page 30 campaign supported by the ABC, News Ltd, Channel 9 and other major media outlets. Our media releases elicited some good local coverage. Election of office-bearers took place with the current President Peter Dickson and Secretary Jennie Hicks being re-elected to their positions. We were very pleased to welcome new committee member Tim Mulroy as Assistant Treasurer and both Tim Mulroy and Meg Pickup as additional members for our sub branch teams. Long serving ABC Friend, Dr Neville Jennings was nominated by our Branch for a Lifetime Membership award, which was approved by the NSW/ACT Executive Branch. The award was presented to Neville at the AGM by Ed Davis. Neville has been a stalwart member of ABC Friends in our region for around 20 years, performing the role of Branch President for a number of those years. He was instrumental in re-forming the FABC group in the Northern Rivers in 2001, having been a lifelong strong supporter of the ABC. The award gave us a chance to reflect on some of Neville`s classic “letters to the editor”- a very hard act to follow. Janine Kitson addresses the crowd. Peter Dickson President, ABC Friends Northern Rivers The newly established NSoS Interim One of the concerns for the NSoS branch is Committee have now written to all the recent alert by Quentin Dempster who Northern suburbs of Federal Members whose electorates has highlighted how the ABC’s emergency are in geographical area of the northern broadcast budget has already run dry at Sydney Branch suburbs of Sydney: Ms Zali Steggall beginning of a dangerous bushfire season. The residents of the northern suburbs OAM (Warringah), Mr John Alexander This is of particular concern to the NSoS of Sydney – from Pittwater to Manly to OAM, (Bennelong), Hon Paul Fletcher MP branch as it is in an area of extensive urban North Sydney to Lindfield to Berowra to (Bradfield & Minister for Communications, bushland areas. Already there have been Epping gathered at the Dougherty Centre, Cyber Safety and the Arts), Mr Jason bushfires in South Turramurra, Macquarie Chatswood on Sunday 6 October 2019 to Falinski MP (Mackellar), Mr Trent Park and Oxford Falls. say it was time to start a Northern Suburbs Zimmerman MP (North Sydney), Mr Julian NSoS Committee member, Kate Reid of Sydney Branch (NSoS). Lesser MP (Berowra). The NSoS are (Refer p8 this issue) is working on urging members living on the northern One hundred ABC friends and supporters establishing the protocols to ensure NSoS suburbs of Sydney to also write letters turned up and voted with acclamation First nation voices are heard for the NSoS calling on their Federal Member to reverse to create a NSoS branch, following branch. talks given by Jonathon Holmes, former the funding cuts to the ABC and for The Committee is hoping to hold a dinner Media Watch presenter and Four Corners those MPs who belong to the Liberal in early 2020, along with other events, producer and by Ed Davis, ABC Friends Party to rescind the National Liberal Party and is even investigating the possibility of NSW President. Both provided insightful Conference resolution to privatise the an ‘ABC Freedom Bus Ride’ coach tour revelations into the scandalous attacks ABC. overnight excursion to Orange ABC in late on Australian press freedom, with the It is encouraging that MP Mr Trent 2020. AFP raids, and the continuing debilitating Zimmerman has formally responded to the impacts inflicted on the ABC through new Committee where he has stated his The next NSoS committee meeting budget starvation as well as incessant support for the ABC. will be held at Bella Blue Café, 1/303 ‘veiled’ verbal attacks by some politicians Pacific Hwy, Lindfield at 1.00 pm on The Committee is soon to write letters to and media commentators. Thursday 16 January, 2020. For more the Labor and Greens senators for NSW information please contact Janine Kitson The new NSoS interim committee Labor Senators for NSW: Kristina Keneally 0428 860 623 includes Janine Kitson (Convenor), Kate (Labor: Mackellar, Warringah, North Reid, Jenny Forster, Edward Black, Anne Sydney), Jenny McAllister (Labor: Berowra, Janine Kitson Matheson, Chris Haviland with support Bradfield), Tim Ayres (Labor: Bennelong) Convenor, ABC Friends, from Diana Wyndham and Jason Lowe. and Mehreen Faruki (Greens). Northern Suburbs of Sydney

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

NSW/ACT Regional Branches

ACT & Region Eastern Suburbs of Sydney Illawarra Northern Rivers Peter Lindenmayer Nizza Siano (Secretary) Jan Kent (Secretary) Jennie Hicks (Secretary) Phone: 0497 976 945 16 Holland Rd PO Box 8 Phone 0431 958 911 [email protected] Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Keiraville 2500 abcfriendsnorthernrivers@ Phone/Fax: 02 9327 3423 Phone/Fax: 02 4271 3531 gmail.com Armidale [email protected] [email protected] Byron sub branch Priscilla Connor (Secretary) Jill Keogh PO Box 1448 Hunter Mid North Coast Phone: 02 6688 4558 Armidale NSW 2350 Allan Thomas Drusi Megget [email protected] Phone: 02 6772 2217 7 Cantwell Road 24 Arncliffe Ave [email protected] Lochinvar NSW 2321 Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Tweed sub branch Phone: 02 4930 7309 Phone: 02 6583 8798 Sandy Copley Blue Mountains [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 02 6677 1570 Sue Noske (President) [email protected] Phone: 02 4751 8320 Publicity Officer Northern Suburbs of Sydney Lismore sub branch Mobile: 0421 020 610 Anne Kirsten Janine Kitson (Convenor) Therese Crollick [email protected] [email protected] Mobile: 0428 860 623 Phone: 02 6624 2289 [email protected] [email protected] Central Coast Ross McGowen 11 Weemala Cres Terrigal NSW 2260 Phone: 0400 213 514 [email protected]

Victorian Groups

Like to join a local group or Southern Bayside Castlemaine area Latrobe electorate be on their mailing list Ivor, 9580 6402 Geoff, 0402 262 261 Peter Fleming 0418 557 808, in Victoria? [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] We have many local groups. To find out more about one Geelong area Eastern Melbourne Bendigo Electorate in your area: ➞ Michael, 03 5271 1222 Neil 0411 487 348 Sally Moseby [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Not in these areas? 0400 371 635 Contact Marcus May Northern Melbourne Boroondara Margaret, 0421 338 155 Gael 9859 5185 or 0416 009 339 as we are Ballarat Electorate [email protected] [email protected] setting up new groups. Maureen MacPhail [email protected] Inner Melbourne Inner Western Melbourne 0476 247 870 Michael Bond Anne-Maree [email protected] [email protected] 0413 315 084