July 2014 Vol 22, No. 2 thrice yearly newsletter Update Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc.

by Abbott Blatant to ABC Board Political Selection Panel From the President Appointments Continued page 2 evin Rudd as Prime Minister was determined to put an end to the Kappointment to the ABC and SBS boards of “cultural warriors,” political mates and cronies, a practice which had scaled new heights under the Howard government. He introduced a merit-based system where board positions would be advertised publicly, and an independent nomination panel of four would present a shortlist of three names to the communications minister. The recent announcement by the government that the two vacancies on the nomination panel would be filled

Inside Update

From the President 2 BREAKING NEWS - 80 jobs to go! 3 Try out our improved website membership facility 4 We Must Never Get Tired 5 Malcolm Turnbull launches Parliamentary Friends group to defend ABC 6 Stand by to defend ‘your’ ABC 7 The Emasculation Agenda for the ABC 10 Mal Hewitt OAM 12 Notice of Annual General Meeting 14 Another ABC Serendipity 15 Branch News 16

Page 1 Update Publication Information From the President Update is published three times a year by From The President Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. Printpost approved PP245059/00002 Blatant Political said: “You have to assume that Dr. Watt chose Neil Brown and Janet To become a member phone Appointments (02) 9990 0600 or email to Albrechtsen in his own discretion - Continued from Page 1. [email protected] that’s what the legislation is supposed or access our website to do.” www.fabcnsw.org.au. by Janet Albrechtsen and Neil Brown Pigs might fly! Extracts from newspapers and other is astounding in its blatantly political publications appearing in Update do not nature, and a declaration of war on the SILENCING AUSTRALIA’S necessarily reflect the views of the ABC’s independence. members of FABC. VOICE INTO ASIA Update is distributed to all members of Albrechtsen, a columnist with The A friend of mine has been working FABC, as part of the membership fee. Australian, has frequently attacked the for many years in Taiwan, as a teacher Update is also supplied to journalists, ABC for allegedly left-wing bias, calling politicians and libraries across Australia. at the Taipei American School (2,200 It is edited and produced in Sydney but it a “Soviet-style workers collective,” K-12 students), originally established contributions are welcome from NSW country and last year called for the resignation to educate American Defence Forces and interstate branches. of managing director Mark Scott Material may be quoted or reproduced children but now attended mainly by from Update provided the source is over the ABC coverage of Australian local Taiwanese. In Australia recently acknowledged and reproduction is sent to intelligence operations in Indonesia. on holidays, he expressed disbelief at the President FABC. There is also a clear conflict of interest the government’s decision to close the Would you like to receive Update as she will, no doubt, continue in the Australia Network, and the impact it magazine electronically? employ of Rupert Murdoch, whose would have in his part of the world. Save the planet's trees and The Friends printing and postage costs and read Update various news outlets continue their “Not only do all Australians depend magazine on your computer. relentless campaign against the on Australia Network for news and Each quarter, when Update is published, you very existence of a publicly funded information, but all of my American will receive an email with a link to the latest and Taiwanese friends and colleagues issue (each magazine is around 0.5MB). broadcaster. Her obvious distaste for You can try this now by going to our the ABC does not, however, inhibit regard it as superior to any local website at www.fabcnsw.org.au and her regular appearances on several or international alternatives. For clicking on Update. ABC programs, such as Q and A and Australians it is a link with home as If you prefer this delivery option for future Updates please send an email to the Insiders. well as a trusted source of news. We Membership Secretary. cannot believe it is being shut down.” Brown, who was deputy leader of the Who to write… Liberal Party under John Howard in the Michael Lynch is an Australian Anyone seeking basic information about 1980s, maintains that the ABC suffers with extensive experience in Arts writing to persons of influence might find it administration – formerly head of the helpful to go to the FABC NSW website an “endemic lack of objectivity and www.fabc.org.au where there are some balance.” In February he wrote in The Australia Council, Director of Sydney menu items under "Be Active" leading to Spectator: “The only solution of any Opera House, a Director of the ABC, pages of information: Who can I write to? CEO of the Southbank Centre in What can I say? practical value today is one that should have already been adopted: London, and now CEO of the West FABC (NSW) Executive Committee sell it.” Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Office Bearers Hong Kong. Lynch has labelled the President - Mal Hewitt Under the Rudd legislation, the decision to close Australia Network Phone: 02 4751 6227 secretary of the Department of Email: [email protected] as “the stupidest decision ever made Prime Minister and Cabinet appoints Secretary & Treasurer - James Buchanan by an Australian government in its Phone: 02 9371 5621 the panel to nominate ABC board relations with Asia.” He spoke of the Email: [email protected] members, and the department insists value of the Network as a vehicle for Membership Secretary - Angela Williamson that secretary Ian Watt selected “soft diplomacy,” but highlighted Phone: 02 4883 4048 Albrechtsen and Brown. However, the recent and ground-breaking Email: [email protected] these positions have been vacant since decision by the Chinese Government Update Editor - Mal Hewitt to allow the Australia Network to PO Box 1391 N. Sydney NSW 2059 March – why has it taken so long to Email: [email protected] fill them? Meredith Edwards, former broadcast into mainland China (access which Rupert Murdoch has been Cartoonist - Phil Somerville deputy secretary of the Department, is consistently been denied.) “ This was Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun Herald incredulous – “It looks too political for (Sydney) an enormous achievement for the ABC [email protected] the public service to put these names and for Australia – to throw away the forward.” Layout Artist - Paul Martens opportunity is remarkable stupidity.” [email protected] Communications Minister Malcolm However, it must be said that it is Membership Line: 02 9990 0600 Turnbull, who was apparently perhaps not that surprising for a not consulted about the decision, government that seems totally “at sea”

Page 2 in understanding how to maintain biennial conference, which will be and strengthen good relations with held at the Mountain Heritage Hotel, our regional neighbours. Katoomba, on 16th and 17th August. The other serious impact of removal Delegates from branches across NSW of funding from Australia Network will gather for a crucial conference, BREAKING has been the implications for the as we consider the stark reality of the ABC’s other outreach into Asia threats to the ABC’s independence NEWS... and the Pacific, Radio Australia. In and funding as already enacted by managing scarce funds and resources, the government, as well as the threats 80 jobs to go! the ABC has been sharing resources, of further action, such as part or total privatisation. The conference will correspondents, facilities and s Update goes to print, be addressed by Managing Director material across the two networks. the announcement has Mark Scott and veteran journalist Removal of Australia Network been made that 80 jobs and presenter Quentin Dempster. We funding has raised doubts about the are to go from Radio ability of Radio Australia to maintain trust that those who attend will take A Australia, Australia Network and its services. Our government clearly back to their branches and members the Asia Pacific News Centre, a neither understands nor values the enhanced skills and knowledge to consequence of the first round of importance of Australia’s voice in equip them for the battles that lie cuts to the ABC, with the prospect Asia and the Pacific. ahead. of a further $50m as a result of Lewis Review recommendations. IMPROVED WEBSITE FACILITY THE LEWIS EFFICIENCY This from a Prime Minister REVIEW Webmaster Chris Cartledge, with who promised “No cuts to the Every new conservative government his support team of Membership ABC!” Mitch Fifield, Government seems to feel the necessity to Secretary Angela Williamson and Communications Spokesman in the initiate an inquiry into the Secretary James Buchanan, has spent Senate has produced the following ABC, hoping to find a grossly many hours improving our website gems: “A review is necessary mismanaged organization. The so that members may use the facility because public broadcasters Howard government engaged KPMG with ease and security. You can join are not accountable for what to conduct an audit of the ABC. or renew your membership, update they spend the way commercial The report was never published, your membership details, or make a networks are…….The efficiency because, far from revealing gross donation, with payments going direct review will assist the ABC to identify mismanagement, it showed a lean from your credit card to the FABC inefficiency in administration so and efficient broadcaster, doing a NSW bank account. Chris is always savings can be made without remarkable job with limited funds. generous in the use of his IT skills for affecting programming……The The current government has followed the benefit of FABC members, and I ABC’s revenues are not a function of the script – as well as imposing greatly appreciate his computer skills its ratings or performance, but of its funding cuts, it has engaged Peter (compared with my lack thereof!) in ability to persuade the government Lewis (who comes from a commercial the preparation of each Update. of the day.” media background) to conduct an May I again pay tribute to the Our best response to this gibberish “efficiency review.” The Lewis Report dedicated work of Angela Williamson is to state a simple fact – the ABC has been completed, and many as our Membership Secretary, in 2014 operates on a budget questions have been asked as to especially in her passionate pursuit roughly half (in real terms) of that in when Australian taxpayers will get of personal interest stories from 1984, with two thirds of the staff of to see the report on the broadcaster our members – this Update again 1984, but with massively increased which they pay for. The answer – includes a wonderful account of services, platforms, methods of probably never. an ABC program which lit a special delivery and audience. Its efficiency has been reviewed and scrutinised I am indebted to Dr. Richard Gates, candle in the lives of two ladies, in many times, and all of its services “ABC Serendipity.” James Buchanan, President of Northern Rivers FABC, are provided on a budget which our indefatigable Secretary/ who has made it a personal crusade is less than that of any of the Treasurer/Public Officer, who is over many weeks to pursue the commercial television networks. both meticulous and methodical, outcomes of the Lewis Review The idealogical extremists and the completes a trio of officebearers who down many governmental and Murdoch cheersquad of the Abbott devote many hundreds of hours departmental burrows. The results of government must not be allowed to to Friends of the ABC, and provide his pursuit can be found in his article have their way. invaluable support to your president, in this Update – “The Emasculation sadly devoid of IT skills, and neither For further news on job and Agenda for the ABC.” meticulous nor methodical! We are program cuts, please go to the NSW FABC website at NSW FRIENDS OF THE ABC indebted to them. www.fabcnsw.org.au to read the STATE CONFERENCE Mal Hewitt latest announcements. Thank you to Blue Mountains branch President, for agreeing again to host the 2014 NSW Friends of the ABC

Page 3 Try out our improved website membership facility

And a big There you can: Please use the new system if you are able thankyou to • Join or Renew your Chris Cartledge! membership We hope that all who have a • Update your membership computer and email will use For the past few months your details the improved online system in preference to sending forms and Webmaster Chris Cartledge has • Make a Donation been hard at work, with able payment through the post. This assistance from our Membership Payments now flow direct will deliver you instant results, with Secretary Angela Williamson from your credit card to the improved security and maximum and periodic liaison with our FABC NSW bank account efficiency for all concerned. Treasurer James Buchanan. Remember we are all volunteers! This is a very secure system, as Using skills acquired during his And please contact us if there is a your credit card details do not past employment with Telstra, problem. appear in our records, and high Chris has professionally ‘project standard encryption is used. Notices to advise that managed’ a major upgrade of our membership renewal is due are system for online membership Provided your credit card details now being sent by email wherever management, involving countless are accepted by the bank, you will possible, rather than the post, the hours of voluntary work including receive instant online confirmation. cost of which has recently gone system design and co-ordination up again. of a specialist web developer, Advices such as membership a database designer and the acceptance or renewal For those without the web or Commonwealth Bank. confirmation or donation email, there is no change to the acknowledgement will be sent to existing system. Provided you have a computer you immediately by email. and email and can go online, go And thanks again to Chris. and to our website www.fabcnsw. Angela who have made all this org.au possible!

Page 4 We Must Never Get Tired disastrously appointed one Jonathan Quentin Shier as managing director. A Senate Dempster inquiry Above Board arising from Elder Statesman the Shier experience first canvassed of ABC journalists, legislative change to try to bring former Staff- board stacking and the overt political Elected Director interference which came with it, to an end. To its credit the Rudd Murdoch-approved party political hacks and ideologues. he appointment of Murdoch These institutions are not the Press columnist Janet playthings of influence peddling Albrechtsen and the Liberal An ‘efficiency politicians pursuing their usual TParty’s Neil Brown to a Federal review’ conducted adversarial games. Government merit selection panel for The issue is highly sensitive currently ABC and SBS board appointments is by a commercial because of the budget haircuts now contemptuous and provocative. network financial being imposed on both broadcasters After years of public debate about controller, Peter which will force their boards and the patronage practices of both the Lewis, has not managements to reshape their role and Labor and Liberal parties to stack the been publicly functions. boards with partisans, reforms to the In the ABC’s case a ‘reshaping’ is appointment process were meant to released. expected to turn the broadcaster into a depoliticise governance and restore ‘digital content services provider’ to ride public confidence. the digital revolution through consumer The arms-length merit selection uptake of tablets and mobile devices. process (after the placement of ads Government moved on the idea Broadcasters are waiting to be consulted seeking expressions of interest from through amendments to the ABC and to see exactly where the reshaping appropriately qualified applicants) is to SBS acts to establish the first merit- enhances or diminishes/destroys be used to fill current vacancies on the selection process. many of the ABC’s charter functions ABC and SBS boards. The spirit of these amendments across the accepted genres – news and It was derived from the United obviously was to depoliticise the current affairs, documentary, education, Kingdom ‘Nolan rules’ imposed after boards and to professionalise the comedy and satire, drama, natural controversy in Britain about ‘jobs governance of the ABC and SBS. By history, children’s programming, for the boys’ – political patronage in the appointment of the provocateurs entertainment and information. government appointments – which Albrechtsen and Brown, two high So far neither the ABC nor the SBS undermined public confidence in the profile figures hostile to public boards, seemingly besieged by a hostile integrity of many government boards broadcasting, the Abbott Government federal government applying budget and agencies. has indicated its contempt for merit cuts, show any sign of wanting to The idea first gained traction in selection. actively engage the taxpaying public in Australia in 2000 after the then The ABC and SBS deserve and their reshaping discussions. politically stacked ABC board need dynamic, quality directors, not An ‘efficiency review’ conducted Page 5 by a commercial network financial sales advantages. budget savings, the loss of $30million controller, Peter Lewis, has not The budget cuts applied by the of ABC special purpose funding from been publicly released. It is said federal government in May 2014 now 2016 impose destructive pressure. to recommend the outsourcing of represent a major challenge to the The ABC and SBS boards will have program making to the maximum independence of the ABC and SBS full public support in their reshaping extent possible. boards. Faced with gratuitous advice decisions if they clearly set out their This idea ignores the most recent from Mr Lewis and what looks like survival strategies to taxpayers. coercion from the federal government debates about production costs. It is SBS has no chairman at the moment. to apply his ‘efficiency’ nostrums, the now well established that it is more We await the merit-selection of this boards now have to decide how they cost effective to have the broadcasters appointee and directors to fill other can sustain the operations of both retain internal production skills at current vacancies. critical mass with the added advantage institutions to keep faith with their It is now over to Albrechtsen and of exploiting and retaining copyrighted legislated Charters. Brown. intellectual property. Outsourcing A hostile federal government has is invariably more expensive. Some always had the whip hand in the Whatever happens it appears we commercial television networks in form of the quantum of funding to be must fight for the independence Australia prefer in house production allocated. and capacity of the ABC and SBS in because of the editorial control, The loss of the Australia Network Australia’s media landscape. skills development and program contract, the 1% ‘down payment’ on We must never get tired.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Labor MP Melissa Parke, ABC managing director Mark Scott and independent senator Nick Xenophon at the launch of Parliament Friends of the ABC.

“I had been very disturbed by a series of veiled and not so veiled threats against the public broadcaster in terms of funding and control,” Ms Parke said. “Following attacks against the ABC – particularly in News Limited papers – I Malcolm Turnbull launches decided there needed to be a show of force for the ABC. We wanted as much cross-party support as possible.” Parliamentary Friends The ABC’s budget was cut by $35.5 million over four years in the May group to defend ABC budget - a one per cent reduction - and the government terminated the the public broadcaster in a speech to the broadcaster’s $223 million Australia Matthew Knott 50-plus attendees, who included Senate Network international broadcasting SMH - May 29, 2014 powerbroker Clive Palmer. Mr Scott and contract. ABC Chairman James Spigelman also Ms Parke said the group would attended the event. closely monitor the results of an oliticians from all major Despite supporting the group at the efficiency review into ABC and SBS parties have joined a new launch, Mr Turnbull’s office said the operations. Pparliamentary lobby group to minister is not an official member of the During a lengthy grilling at Senate advocate for a well-resourced and group. estimates, Mr Scott said he could independent ABC. “He’s a small ‘F’ friend of the ABC,” a not guarantee the future of popular The group, Parliamentary Friends spokesman said. children’s television program Peppa Pig of the ABC, was launched on Western Australian Labor MP Melissa if the ABC’s budget was cut further. Wednesday afternoon following ABC Parke and NSW Liberal MP Craig Laundy Communications Minister Malcolm Managing Director Mark Scott’s are the co-chairs of the group. Nationals Turnbull said he would campaign appearance at Senate estimates. MP Bruce Scott, Greens Senator Scott against any move to axe the program, Communications Minister Malcolm Ludlam and independent Senator Nick tweeting: “Peppa’s is one snout we are Turnbull gave a passionate defence of Xenophon are the deputy co-chairs. happy to have in the ABC trough.”

Page 6 Stand by to defend ‘your’ABC

he weasel pre-election words of committee, an ABC-hater of renown Tony Abbott that he would not who is on record as wanting to break cut the funds of the ABC or the it up, sell it off and more besides, TSBS were only a part of similar plus Janet Albrechtsen, a Murdoch deceptions of his ‘Government of no columnist whose anti-ABC splenetic surprises’ which of course came up columns in The Australian have been with a raft of very unpleasant unrelenting and who was a Board surprises indeed. His incessant, member herself from 2005 to 2010, carping insistence on Julia Gillard’s appointed by the Coalition. At least reversal of her no carbon tax her membership of the Board stopped statement – at least a principled her weekly assaults on the national decision – was a monstrous example broadcaster in her columns for five of hypocrisy which has become a years. But since she has been off the hallmark of his Prime Ministership Board, she has used her column to now that the full list of his own broken call for the present Managing Director promises is a matter of record. Mark Scott to resign! The Sydney Now we are the laughing stock of Morning Herald reported recently that the world, about to effectively have she had even made the farcical claim no climate change policy at all that is that the ABC was run by a ‘Soviet-style worth a spurt of goat’s piss. workers collective’ for heavens sake. But I wish to dwell on the grave All positions on the panel expire by problems facing the ABC, whose Tim Bowden AM April next year, so it’s not difficult to budget has been cut, and will be Former ABC reporter predict that the Abbott government trimmed further under the guise of and host of Backchat can entirely remake the panel as it efficiency reviews and a number of sees fit. other more sneaky ways to attempt to Scott has bent over backwards bend the national broadcaster to the in recent years to set up fairness Coalition’s will – like appointments to procedures, complaints handling the ABC Board. mechanisms, and making sure that even barking-mad (and anti-ABC) There is now a mechanism (a Kevin ...I cannot recall in my members of Melbourne’s uber-right Rudd initiative) to use an independent long association with the nomination process that was supposed Institute of Public Affairs crop up ABC ever voting to go on regularly on programs like Q & A, as to de-politicise the way board members strike, or to take other to the ABC and SBS were selected. well as the likes of Piers Akerman and industrial action, on pay The ’independent’ panel considers Andrew Bolt who had regular exposure applications, then offers a shortlist and conditions - which on Sunday morning’s Insiders. Former of board candidates to the Minister is usually why unions get Howard Minister Amanda Vanstone for Communications and PM. It is stroppy. has become one of the asked for presently overseen by Ian Watt, the Our concerns were ‘right wing Phillip Adams’ on Radio National’s Counterpoint (and in my Secretary of the Department of Prime almost always on matters Minister and Cabinet. view runs a very good program). It of principle. seemed to me that some of the heat The latest atrocities are to appoint and paranoia about the ABC, its alleged ex-Liberal MP Neil Brown to this left-wing bias and an out of control

Page 7 staff, ‘lunatics running the asylum’ running just to keep up with what we ABC was almost as palpable as John had been at least muted. How wrong had to do. Howard’s. On the 13th of May that I was! The Abbott government is once There were occasions when ABC year the Postmaster General Alan again on the warpath. staff united behind our main union, Hulme wrote to the ABC Chairman I suppose the first question to ask the ABC Staff Association, to protest Sir Robert Madgwick saying that is, who apart from the strangely against issues we felt strongly about. the ABC’s budget appropriations for obsessed anti-ABC warriors like Gerard However ABC staff by no means spoke the coming financial year would be Henderson – now corralled in the with a united voice. The ABC News reduced by $500,000 and directed stable of commentators in the Oz men and women had their union, The that $250,000 of that be applied to with Chris Kenny, Andrew Bolt, Janet Australian Journalists’ Association. current affairs television! Albrechtsen et al where he belongs Middle level managers were The letter was leaked, and the – are clamouring for the ABC to be represented by their Senior Officers ABC Staff Association called a mass radically changed? (It is a pity Paul Association. These three groups were meeting to protest against this Sheehan from the SMH, doesn’t pop seldom unanimous in supporting a political thuggery and to stiffen over and join them – but I digress.) particular issue but there were times ABC management’s resolve to resist There is certainly no public when this was achieved. this utterly improper interference perception that Aunty needs a in the way the ABC could spend its makeover. Polls consistently show budget. No doubt buttressed by press a high level of satisfaction for the and community outrage and by the services Aunty provides Australians in mass meeting of ABC staff, the then television, radio and indeed on line. Chairman, Sir Robert Madgwick, did I first worked as a freelance current take a principled stand and Hulme affairs reporter for the ABC in 1958, had to pull his head in. and joined the staff in Launceston I could quote other examples in 1963 and was lucky enough to of staff striking against blatant cut my television teeth in Tasmania censorship of current affairs in the early 1960s, work as a foreign programs – sometimes initiated by correspondent in South-East Asia and ABC management itself. But never North America until 1969, before about pay and conditions. There returning to Sydney to be the first was, and still is, a great delight Executive Producer PM and then work I don’t want to over- by ABC broadcasters to use the as an associate producer with This egg the metaphor, but freedoms provided by a public Day Tonight, return to radio to make I can remember exactly broadcaster to pursue stories and documentaries with the radio Drama where I was – a hotel topics that shine a light on our own and Features Department, founded the room in Melbourne society, political, social and cultural. Social History Unit in Radio National – when I heard the And our listeners and viewers seem (happily still going strong), fronted the news on ABC Radio to like it this way. Believe me there is ABC viewer reaction program BackChat that the then Minister no sinister agenda. Basically the ABC for eight years from 1986, and also for Communications is quite a conservative organisation. made television documentaries Helen Coonan But not conservative enough in Antarctica in the mid 1990s. I announced the for the Coalition. Doubtless John mention all this not to blow my own appointment of Janet Howard when he appointed his trumpet, but to indicate that I have close friend Donald McDonald as Albrechtsen to the been around a bit in the ABC for over Chairman of the ABC for ten years 30 years, and in that time have seen ABC Board from 1996, probably hoped that he many attempts by governments and would rein in the perceived radicals individuals to muzzle of manipulate – but McDonald is a civilised and the national broadcaster. cultured man and while not exactly As to the ‘workers collective’ As a public service broadcaster I captured by the culture of the ABC obsession by the ABC’s critics in the wasn’t paid all that much, but I loved (let’s not forget it was McDonald 21st century, I cannot recall in my the freedom of choosing topics not who unleashed the unspeakable long association with the ABC ever driven by a commercial imperative, Jonathan Shier briefly as its MD) voting to go on strike, or to take and - with overtime not being an allowed most of its flowers to bloom. other industrial action, on pay and option - worked for as long as I had However just before the Coalition conditions - which is usually why to, in order to get my programs on air. came to power in March 1966, unions get stroppy. Most of my colleagues were doing the Howard’s putative Minister for same thing. There were times when Our concerns were almost always on Communications Senator Alston (his we felt we were poorly served by our matters of principle. fingers presumably crossed behind managers, but this is the way it is in Let me give you an example - and his back like Abbott) promised any large organisation. this occurred while I was working with there would be no cuts to the I can assure you none of us felt we This Day Tonight in 1970. Malcolm ABC’s budget – then the Howard were running the place. We were Fraser’s dislike and disdain for the Government promptly slashed $56

Page 8 million from the national broadcaster. the cultural warrior and fellow of National Party if a shrinking budget Alston was undeniably the worst Melbourne’s anti-ABC Institute of threatened the closure of many of minister the ABC ever had, as he Public Affairs, Ron Brunton, per favour the regional radio stations, lightly actually hated the organisation that he of Richard Alston, in May 2003. Then, staffed but dedicated to reflecting the was functionally responsible for, and to for good measure, the ABC Board was issues pertinent to their local areas whom the ABC should have been able graced by the revisionist anti-black throughout Australia for example. to turn for some kind of protection armband historian Keith Windschuttle The Rural Department of the ABC, from the forces of darkness. Instead in June 2006, appointed by the traditionally responsible for these Alston waged war on the organisation, unblushing Communications Minister regional stations are hardly a bunch of and even after he retired to London as Helen Coonan! With friends like these Communists. Australia’s High Commissioner in the three, who needs enemas? Abbott seems to be doing all he can plush apartments of Australia House, Now the Coalition has taken board to make sure he is a one-term Prime he still continued to lob mortar bombs stacking to new heights with this latest Minister by cutting benefits to the at the ABC from afar! ploy, bringing Albrechtsen back into poor, needy, and disadvantaged and Most of us alive at the time, can the fray with Neil Brown to nominate looking after industry and the big end

remember where we were when we the next batch of crazies to be of town. heard the news that President John inflicted on to poor old Aunty. Bashing the ABC, or attempting to Kennedy had been assassinated. I don’t In conclusion, I’d like to make the muzzle its freedoms, is actually not want to over-egg the metaphor, but I point that reducing the effectiveness electorally sensible. In my view, most can remember exactly where I was – a of the ABC to perform the functions Australians would take an extremely hotel room in Melbourne – when I it does, and generally appreciated dim view of that perception. At the heard the news on ABC Radio that the by its large nation-wide audience, moment, the ABC and indeed SBS then Minister for Communications it would be unwise to think that all (which should never be amalgamated Helen Coonan announced the conservative members of parliament with the ABC) needs all the friends it appointment of Janet Albrechtsen to would welcome the results of further can get. This time, my friends, this may the ABC Board, and stood there in budget cuts. be game on for public broadcasting as my underpants in stunned disbelief! Imagine the reaction of the we know it and want it. This followed the appointment of

Page 9 THE EMASCULATION AGENDA FOR THE ABC

Dr. Richard Gates – President, NorthernDr. Rivers Richard Gates Friends of the ABC President, Northern Rivers Friends of the ABC

n the eve of the Federal election Tony Abbott made a number of now infamous cuts to the ABC is not to save money. commitments to us, the There will be inevitable savings and they Opeople of Australia: will be used to justify the government’s “No cuts to education, no cuts to health, action. no change to pensions, no change to the It goes something like this: ‘We are all in The real reason is to curtail what the GST and no cuts to the ABC or SBS.” this together. We all, with the exception of ABC does by cutting its blood supply, These promises were shredded a few our mates, have to do some ‘heavy lifting’, its funds and through such means months later on the confected grounds the ABC included. So suck it up. Tighten create fear, anxiety, angst, whatever that Australia faced some kind of budget your belts’. Sound familiar? You know you want to call it, to silence it as a crisis. Most of us know it’s complete the drill! genuine, independent critic of what the nonsense, a predictable, ‘cry wolf’ crisis. Of course the breaking of promises goes government’s doing to the nation’s social Those with a bit of age and many election to the very heart of the credibility of a fabric. campaigns tucked away in memory government. With such blatant breaches In this era of contracts, which can be have heard this old chestnut many times why should we believe anything fed to terminated easily in the name of flexibility, before. ‘us chooks’? Machiavellian fear induces silence. And Yes, there’s always room for The government prepared the ABC that’s just what the government wants, improvement. Sophisticated and legalised for public emasculation through the silence or some benign regurgitation of rorts and rip-offs, vote-buying tactics ideologically-biased Commission of spin-doctored media releases to make and money-squandering from successive Audit, a house-of-cards edifice which them appear respectable. governments need to be reined in, but the does not stand robust scrutiny. And then The government appointed Mr deserving poor must not be sacrificed. went in with the Lewis Efficiency Review Peter Lewis to oversee the Federal Sadly the Abbott government’s glued to try and finish the job. The success Government’s ABC and SBS Efficiency to its obsessive-compulsive mantra of of this ‘operation’ remains to be seen. Study. His work was done in conjunction ‘budget crisis’ in the hope if they say it But strategies based on failed 1990’s with the Department of Communications often enough, people will believe. But stranded management philosophies and and at least one other commercial most see through this ruse. We’re not kindergarten human psychology while firm with concrete connections to the that stupid. unlikely to convince anyone with more than international commercial media sector. Even if no-one comes to believe the a room temperature IQ, can do a lot of God only knows what that additional mantra, the government will continue to difficult-to- reverse damage. commercial firm was brought in to do and use this travesty to justify a compulsory It’s important to be clear here about what it did do. Nope, secret. We are not financial castration of the ABC and SBS. what’s really going on. The reason for the allowed to know.

Page 10 Lewis came from a commercial for his new appointment in commercial As long as the Lewis Efficiency Study media background before media because there is potential for a is kept secret we can never know if the review and went back to ‘conflict-of-interest’. Not only could the benchmarking exercise was truly commercial media as CFO of the potential job cloud judgment about independent and appropriate. the nature of the review process but Southern Cross Media’s Austereo, There was no independent public could put the ABC at considerable effective 16 June 2014. representation on the Efficiency Study for disadvantage. The appointment of Lewis to a the ABC and SBS. And no one with a commercial media group, so soon This problem is not dissimilar to public broadcasting background provided after completion of his efficiency review the difficulty of government ministers independent assessment. and senior public servants becoming on the ABC/SBS raises some interesting Senior Management of the ABC is now lobbyists very soon after leaving questions. caught up in the exercise bringing some government. There would be no Lewis was privy to wads of detailed knowledge to the occasion but this is problem if Lewis took up a commercial information about both public hardly independent. They have too much position as CFO in another industry but broadcasters. He takes that knowledge ‘skin in the game’ and often are vulnerable not the same industry. with him to his new role. because of their contracted positions. The government must deal with this He may have signed a ‘confidentiality A final comment on benchmarking. problem if the Lewis Efficiency Study agreement’ Organisations which are exceptional do is to have any to not reveal not look like benchmarks. Benchmarks credibility. the privileged have a way of creating mediocrity, the very information to The government is antithesis of what our ABC should be. not helping itself by anyone but did So what are the benchmarks for public keeping the Lewis he empty his broadcasting? Perhaps Minister Turnbull These political Study secret with might like to let us in on the secret. It is the weary excuse appointments his call after all and it would be nice to of ‘commercial-in- are just further know what his thoughts and principles confidence’. are. No more Pontius Pilate thank you. evidence that the Commercial media Apart from the Commission of Audit and and the sycophant Abbott government is the Lewis Efficiency Study the ABC now Murdoch press seem out to nobble the has the added burden of two anti-ABC head of that to all know about the ideologue appointments to make selection information? ABC/SBS and it will Lewis review judging recommendations for the ABC Board. When it comes to do ‘whatever it by the extensive This is yet another major conflict making decisions media incontinence. takes’ to silence of interest. One of these political in his new profit- So why shouldn’t the appointees works for a commercial media making role, will robust analysis public see it? We organisation with competing interests. that information and commentary, a paid for it?! So who is that person’s boss and whose not figure in The Lewis’ hallmark of a vibrant interests are being served? Resignation his thinking? Efficiency Study has democracy. should be forthcoming, pronto. Sadly there is no been on the back ‘Delete’ button foot from the very These political appointments are in the brains of beginning. ‘Terms of just further evidence that the Abbott consultants. reference’ pearls such as ‘benchmarking’ government is out to nobble the ABC/ SBS and it will do ‘whatever it takes’ to That information may have included and ‘best practice’ gave the game away. silence robust analysis and commentary, a material about competitors, pricing These discredited concepts demonstrate hallmark of a vibrant democracy. and other marketing information and out-of-date management thinking. strategies, forthcoming deals and strategic The Federal Government’s Commission Minister Turnbull also needs to step thinking. Such knowledge has potential of Audit set the Lewis agenda by up to the mark and release the Lewis to bring considerable advantage to recommending that “future funding Efficiency Study for public scrutiny. Failure his new commercial shareholders and decisions about the ABC and SBS to do so will confirm what many of us disadvantage to both public broadcasters. “should be informed by the outcome of think: He is part of the problem. A confidentiality agreement is no the benchmarking exercise”. Richard has a background in safeguard to protect the public interest. Benchmarks from a shareholder-driven neurosciences and psychology and It just prevents Lewis from talking with organisation, where profit motive is was a former Director of a Master of us about what he did but offers no other queen, is not an appropriate metric to Business Administration and Professional protection. He can’t tell us what Aunty use on a national broadcaster where Practice Development programs at an looks like with her clothes off but he also profit is not the ‘raison d’être’. It’s just Australian University. He’s consulted can’t erase his intimate knowledge of the plain dumb unless you have financial widely to business and government, run body corporate. castration in mind. The type of tools you his own business and been an invited The public needs to know if there was use determine the type of outcomes you and sometimes uninvited guest at live any overlap between the production of get. Tool selection can be made to suit a autopsies of failing organisations. the Lewis Efficiency Study and negotiation particular political agenda. Apparently he’s retired.

Page 11 By Mal Hewitt OAM Angela Williamson

Mal sharing the special annoucement with his three sons Reggie, Gordon and Jeremy

he man we all know as us as a tireless and inspiring leader with years. His skills as a conductor and his President of the Friends of a gift for articulating and representing boundless energy have seen him form the ABC (NSW & ACT) has the views of ABC supporters, and orchestras, bands and choirs. He took been awarded an OAM in the arguably the public at large. This high students to perform in the newly opened Queen’s Birthday Honours List level of energy and expertise have been Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney 2014!T The nomination focused on Mal’s maintained on several fronts, not least Town Hall. services to music education and also his role as the father of three active small He has been in the driving seat of the his community works, including, but not boys.” Annual Celebration Concerts in the limited to, the FABC. For many years Mal has been and still Sydney Town Hall. This 22 year old event Mal joined the Executive Committee of the is Editor of Update, so we have had to attracts the participation of choristers FABC in 2003 having been a member for resort to underhand means to sneak this from Primary and Secondary Schools many years, and became our President item past the Editorial desk! from across NSW - as well as from in 2007. But what of the rest of the man? community choirs including those of the U3A. They provide opportunities In reply to the Honours and Awards He is the son of a pianist and artist for young and old to study, through a Secretariat regarding nomination for an mother, from whom he inherited his love award, James Buchanan, our Secretary of music and which has defined him all series of workshops and then to perform Treasurer wrote: “Mal has functioned his life. His father’s role as a minister in together, major musical works of the as leader and co-ordinator for a range the Presbyterian Church instilled in Mal classical genre. of regional branches across New South the values of doing something for your Adjunct to this choral endeavour Wales, and has made representations community. These two drivers coalesced has been the establishment of The to government ministers and to ABC in Mal to foster a love of music and ability Occasional Performing Sinfonia (TOPS), management in pursuit of the aims of the to play an instrument or sing, amongst a highly rated orchestra of amateur Friends organisation. .. Mal impresses the students he taught for over 35 players which provides, amongst

Page 12 other performance activities, the should be relevant, meaningful and accompaniment to the choral works available to all children, not just the performed at the Annual Celebration lucky students whose parents can afford Concerts. These concerts, over the musical tuition. He is passionate about years, have raised over $300,000 for Music for all and working with non-specialist primary such charities as Stewart House and The teachers to develop their confidence and Children’s Hospital at Westmead. All of the continued skills in their classroom music teaching, these activities and endeavours are the independence and the training of choirs, bands and inspiration of and executed through the orchestras as exemplified in the many voluntary work of Mal Hewitt. of the ABC are professional development courses he Listening to every Classical Music concert not Mal’s only conducts for teachers. broadcast by the ABC in his youth, And recently, since the Hewitt family attending as many performances by abiding community relocated to Faulconbridge, Mal is now the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with passions. Since the Conductor of the Blue Mountains his mother, Mal’s career trajectory was the mid 60s he Symphony Orchestra. never in doubt. A graduate of the Sydney Music for all and the continued Conservatorium of Music, he has been has been active independence of the ABC are not Mal’s a Music Teacher with a deep-seated in a practical way only abiding community passions. personal belief in the power of music to Since the mid 60s he has been active help students in disadvantaged areas. for the aboriginal in a practical way for the aboriginal As he has said: “Music enriches young people... people, from agitating for the right to lives enormously. Music performance vote and be counted in the census boosts children’s intelligence, exercising (1967), to spending every Christmas and extending virtually every part of school holiday for 35 years leading work their brain. For kids who are otherwise who had completed this four year course. parties to Pitjantjatjara Country and struggling with school, music can and From this steering committee, Mal the Western Desert, out west of Alice does make it the most meaningful place became the Foundation President of a Springs, building hundreds of homes in their lives.” larger group of music educators, the and community facilities for indigenous Music advocacy has been a hallmark of Collegiate of Special Music Educators communities. Mal’s working life, even since his official (CSME). The Collegiate has scrutinised For someone who was brought up with retirement in 2004. He was part of a the new National Curriculum in the Arts the values of making the world a better steering committee of Specialist Music and recommended changes to its content place for others, ensuring others’ needs Educators formed to press for the rightful and implementation. CSME advocates are met before considering one’s own, recognition of four years training of for the importance and value of a quality and leading a simple lifestyle: ‘have teachers trained between the years 1944 what you need and give the rest away’, music education for every child in a time and 1966. Due in part to his tenacity in Mal has practised those tenets, and when the majority of students, especially lobbying for rectification of this situation, we, the Friends of ABC (NSW & ACT), in government primary schools, are the Department of Education and Training amongst others are the beneficiaries. in July 2008 awarded a Diploma of missing out. Congratulations from us all, Mal, OAM ! Specialist Music Education to all those Mal’s philosophy is that music education Now a ‘sung’ hero!

Date: Friday 19th September Come and join a Time: Doors open 6:30 sit down 7pm Guest Speaker* Location: Cello’s Restaurant in the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169 Castlereagh Street, Sydney at the FABC NSW Cost: $70 per person including two drinks Bookings: MUST be made via telephone to Joy 9502 2335, Ireen 9745 4487 or Ivy 9981 7940 Annual (if unanswered leave message) Numbers attending are limited so don’t delay. Last bookings taken if not already filled 8:30pm Dinner Sunday 14th September. *Guest Speaker to be announced. Members may also bring non members.

Page 13 Notice of Annual General Meeting Saturday 27th September, 2014

The Annual General Meeting of Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. will be held at Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, Level 1, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney Between Park and Bathurst Streets) on Saturday 27th September, 2014, commencing at 1.00 pm.

There will be an address, followed by a short tea break, after which the meeting will commence with presentation of reports, election of office bearers and general business. The meeting will conclude by 4 pm. The constitution provides that Committee positions, including President, other office bearers and Committee members become automatically vacant and “shall be elected at each annual general meeting.” Should you wish to nominate for the committee or for any other position, please indicate by contacting James Buchanan on 9371 5621 or [email protected] We look forward to your attendance at this important meeting. We are delighted that distinguished and veteran journalist Mark Colvin will address our meeting and answer your questions.

A graduate of Oxford University, Mark Colvin came to Australia in 1974, and GUEST commenced with the ABC in January 1975 as a cadet journalist with 2JJ. In 1978 he was sent to Canberra to produce television news, and in 1979 SPEAKER: became one of the first reporters on Nationwide. In 1980 he was appointed foreign correspondent in London. He returned to Australia in 1983 to report for Mark Colvin both AM and PM, and became the founding presenter of The World Today on Presenter of PM ABC radio, before returning to Brussels in 1984 as Europe correspondent. on Radio National. Between 1988 and 1992, Mark Colvin was a reporter for Four Corners (his feature on the Ethiopian famine won a gold medal at the New York film festival), but returned to London in 1992, reporting for Foreign Correspondent, 7.30 report and Lateline. In 1994, he was sent to Africa by 7.30 Report to cover the unfolding tragedy in Rwanda. He contracted Wegener’s granulamatosis, a rare inflammation of blood vessels, and almost died. During a long convalescence, both hips had to be replaced. In 1997 he returned to Sydney, to his current role as presenter of PM, but suffered kidney failure as a result of his illness, and was kept alive by regular dialysis, until his much publicised kidney transplant in December 2012. Mark will share the highlights of his extraordinary career with us on the day.

Page 14 From Angela Williamson NSW FABC Membership Secretary Notice of Annual General Meeting

Above: On the left is Coral, sister of Ronnie, and Norma, Ronnie’s sweetheart, across from Perth for the Ceremony at the National Maritime Museum at Easter. Below: Private Ron Eagleton. Another ABC Serendipity arlier this year a lady called is properly acquainted with the family she just Norma in Perth was listening, might have married into. as so many of us do, to Australia To round off the story, Ronnie’s sister, All Over, with the marvellous Coral, her sons and their families last month Macca,E on the ABC. She heard the story travelled up to PNG for the formal burial of of the remains of Australian soldiers from the remains of their brother and uncle in World War II being located on Kairiru the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery Island in PNG. One of the men’s remains on Thursday 12th June. Coral is relieved to was identified as that of Private Ronnie know the truth about her beloved brother’s Eagleton, a 20 year old ‘digger’ executed fate, but terribly saddened that their parents by the Japanese enemy while on a mission never knew what became of their only son. to neighbouring Muschu Island in April 1945 as part of an 8 man Z Special Unit Norma too, carries the burden of not patrol to ascertain enemy strength. knowing what became of her brother Jim, in the RAAF in war-torn Europe – another Well, Norma had been Ronnie Eagleton’s poignant link with Coral. sweetheart, and like his family, had never known what became of him. She retained a special place The ABC’s Australian Story is featuring the exploits of in her heart for Ronnie, and after hearing the programme, some undercover operations like the one Ronnie was set about making contact with his family. Her research, involved with in 2014. through the ABC, led her to Ronnie’s only sister, Coral Australia All Over and other ABC programmes like Sadler, now 92 and living in Canberra. Norma specially Australian Story define us, reflect us, and connect us, flew across the country to Sydney for a Ceremony in as this story, referred to Update by member Joyce van memory of the discovered remains and thus Norma now Leeuwen, attests.

Page 15 MPs as well as newspapers. Members have visited local MPs’ offices, and joined Get-Up in a National Protest Branch News against a diminished ABC and other Federal Budget horrors. The fight to retain our much valued public the Friends of the ABC Parliamentary broadcaster is more important than Group. ACT & Region ever with the recent appointment Newly appointed as the ACT & Region Friends of ABC ACT & Region’s to the ABC board of Neil Brown and Contact person, I had the pleasure previous Contact, Margaret and I have Janet Albrechtsen (both publicly anti and privilege of attending the Launch had discussions about our branch, ABC). The issue of a serious conflict of of the Parliamentary Friends of the and a meeting will be held as soon as interest in relation to Ms. Albrechtsen’s ABC which was held in late May at practical to develop our new strategy. job with News Corporation, whose Parliament House. Catherine Henderson intention is to totally dismantle the The Co-chairs for the group crossed ABC for privatisation, beggars belief. the political divide: Melissa Parke, Due to technical difficulties I was Federal Labor, and Craig Laundy, Blue Mountains Branch without any ABC or SBS TV for over Federal Liberal. Deputy Co-Chairs two weeks. I was made aware, as July and another Update. I love our were announced as Bruce Scott, Nick never before, of how life would be FABC state magazine, and comments Xenophon, and Scott Ludlam. without our beloved ABC. As much as from our members indicate the Update commercial TV may try, it can NEVER The room filled quickly with is appreciated for its varied articles of replace a fully independent, publicly representatives from all the political high quality. parties including Clive Palmer and funded, commercial free broadcaster. Blue Mountains Membership continues long term MP, Bob Katter. This independence is what allows the to increase with a vigorous and ABC to offer the scope of programs, the From the over 50 people present, there enthusiastic attendance at our monthly were several speakers including the meetings. Our members are enraged Chairman of the ABC, Jim Spigelman, at the continuous, ruthless, and AC QC, the Managing Director determined threats against our Public Mark Scott, and the Minister for Broadcasters, both ABC and SBS, but Communications, the Hon. Malcolm ABC in particular. Turnbull, MP, and the Shadow Minister As a branch we are participating as for Communications, the Hon. Jason often as we can in various public Clare, MP. protests, local festival parades, and by Jim Spigelman and Mark Scott spoke our letter writing sub-committee who of their commitment to maintaining contact local and federal Ministers and standards and programming at the ABC. Above: Blue Mountains members at the office of Federal MP Louise Markus. Below: Marching in the Both Malcolm Turnbull and Craig Wintermagic Festival at Katoomba. Laundy spoke movingly of their childhoods growing up with ABC radio and television and the crucial role it plays today in our democracy with Malcolm Turnbull pledging that he was committed to maintaining programming despite making budget cuts. The contribution SBS makes to our multicultural society was also mentioned and the importance of ABC radio to country Australia, particularly in times of emergency. The general feeling in the room was friendly and very positive across all the parties which I found very encouraging for the future of the ABC. Melissa Parke told that me she had spoken to Craig Laundy about the idea of forming an ABC support group within Parliament House; he immediately agreed and together they gathered support and launched

Page 16 balanced reporting and commenting By the way what does a quarter of we take for granted. a million signatures look like at one The Blue Mountains Branch is looking signature per page……a petition 27.5 forward to hosting the FABC State metres high, a three storey buiding. Conference in August. The Mountain Big. Heritage Resort, Katoomba will be a We also had representation at the cosy venue and the program promises “March in March” at both Byron Bay to be interesting, relevant and vital and Lismore, and just recently at the at this point in ABC history. We look “Bust the Budget” rally in Lismore forward to meeting as many Friends of where Branch president Richard Gates the ABC as possible. gave an invited address to more than Don’t miss it! 500 folk who attended. This gave us not only a great opportunity to speak See you there!! to our concerns about what the federal Long Live the ABC… government is doing to the ABC but Margaret Foy to distribute Friends information and President, Blue Mountains stickers, to hear what others have to say, and to form useful alliances with other individuals and community

groups who can help us get our Hunter Branch message out and bring pressure to bear One of the many reasons why FABC on the government. members support the ABC is because it There is little doubt from contact provides an advertisement-free media with the community there is deep alternative. Instead of taking this as an concern about the independence of obvious given, we think it needs serious Era Valentina Wellsmore at Greta Migrant Camp the ABC and its funding. But more analysis and discussion as to why it is than that the point is often made important. We seem to live in a society that what’s happening to the ABC increasingly driven by private interests. is a microcosm of what’s happening Governments are selling whatever Northern Rivers generally with the federal government. they can and almost every government News from the Northern Rivers Secrecy and lack of accountability activity is questioned unless it can pay Branch July 2014 figure prominently. its way. Obviously private enterprise Our Branch has several smaller sub- The theme ‘thank god for the ABC drives our economy to produce branches serving to help overcome for how would we otherwise know material wealth. But there is more to a the problem of lengthy travel times what’s going on’ features regularly in civilised society than material wealth. for meetings. Sub-branches based in conversation. Advertisements on commercial TV have Lismore, Ballina-Byron and the Tweed- reached saturation level. What sort Dr Sandy Copley from our Murwillumbah run their own projects of a society is it that is happy to have northernmost sub-branch set about but often come together for bigger a TV show interspersed every 5 or 6 speaking with secondary schools in events. minutes with two or three minutes of her area about the ABC as part of a ads? Commercial radio is similar, with This year we’ve entered into discussed brief to engage young people brackets of hammering ads at regular temporary, pragmatic partnerships more widely in Friends. Engaging intervals. Apparently a lot of people with other organisations and public young folk is a difficult task. Sandy is don’t mind the ads. But there are a lot functions to maximise opportunity certainly stepping up to the mark to of people, like us, who do mind them. to spread the word about what’s engage a ‘young persons’ strategy. A civilised society needs to cater for all happening to the ABC. At the same Richard Gates also attended a large types. time we maintain our independence so rally by the Greens at Mullumbimby we are not caught up in someone else’s On June 7, the Hunter Branch lost a where he had a chance to meet agenda. valued member when Era Valentina with three Federal Greens Senators, Wellsmore died after a long illness. Era Our Branch met with representatives person a stall and distribute Friends had been the first secretary when the of GetUp! and presented a joint information. branch was resurrected during the time petition with a quarter of a million Northern Rivers Branch is looking of Jonathan Shier, and she continued signatures opposing cuts to the ABC to hold other functions before the in that role for some years. Even after and saying ‘no’ to privatization to local year is out and is looking to keep in she gave up the secretaryship, Era federal member Kevin Hogan. We touch with its local members via the remained an active Hunter Branch could not have done this by ourselves. internet and other means about issues committee member. The wit and Kevin wasn’t there on the day but a which concern us locally. We know humour she added to our meetings will staff member accepted the petition and from a number of complaints that be sorely missed. offered the comment she is ‘a strong there are reception/delivery problems supporter of the ABC’. Let’s hope throughout the Branch area. We are Allan Thomas she puts this view to the boss with addressing those at present. President, Hunter Branch conviction.

Page 17 someone to make selections for the The problem is made worse by the fact Branch News Board of the ABC. that another commercial organisation Clearly the appointment of was also brought into the review process and that organisation has substantial Lismore ‘Bust the Budget’ Address Albrechtsen is a blatant political appointment. As far as I am contacts with overseas media interests. 6 July 2014 aware she has no human resource So here is the situation. Despite a I’m here today on behalf of the credentials. So who is she responsible promise that there will be no cuts to Northern Rivers Branch of the Friends to? The Murdoch Press, the Abbott the ABC the government proceeds to a of the ABC to express our deep concern government, the people of Australia? review of the ABC/SBS to see where cuts about what the Abbott government Who is her boss? can be made. Commercial interests are is doing to our National Broadcaster Albrechtsen is badly conflicted and brought in to do the review. They take behind closed doors, and because the is an inappropriate appointment away a great deal of information about independence of the ABC is under particularly given her history of attacks the ABC which could disadvantage it. threat. Not only has Abbott busted on the ABC. The Prime Minister needs his pledge and is cutting funding to The commercial media now knows all to explain why she was chosen when our ABC, but he’s threatening the very about the ABC/SBS but the government there are so many other eminently thing we value most about our ABC, keeps the public from knowing what suitable people. its independence. And then, of course has gone on by refusing to release there is the very human side of all of Early this year Malcolm Turnbull’s the review. How can we hold the this, the loss of jobs and the loss of the department commissioned a review government to account if we do not talented people who make up the ABC. of the ABC and SBS despite the Prime know what’s in the review? Hiding Minister’s pledge of ‘no cuts’. The Charter of Friends of the ABC is behind the ‘commercial in confidence’ Mr Peter Lewis a chief financial officer argument is a deliberate, well-known 1. To defend and promote the ABC from a commercial network was tactic to keep us in the dark. in its vital role as Australia’s appointed to oversee the review. independent, national broadcaster There’s much more but the take home That review has not been made message is that the independence of 2. To vigorously oppose all efforts to public on the grounds that it contains your ABC is under attack. The last thing censor the ABC ‘commercial-in-confidence’ financial the government wants is review and 3. To vigorously oppose any attempt information about the ABC and SBS. to be held to account. It wants to be to introduce advertising or able to do what it wants to do without Mr Lewis has taken up a new post corporate sponsorship into the scrutiny. with a commercial network. So he ABC takes with him a vast amount of So what to do? 4. To continually remind all political critical information about the finances Many people feel helpless and parties and the Australian people of the ABC, market segmentation demoralised when they see what’s of the need for adequate funding and strategy, strategic thinking and happening particularly when they to be provided to the ABC so on. Do you really think he will see the extent to which we have been The recent appointment of ideological have emptied his head of all this betrayed by a self-serving political class political warrior Janet Albrechtsen, information in his new post? captured by a particular segment of the who writes for the Murdoch Press, to the selection panel which decides who will be appointed to the ABC Board is FABC and GetUp! reps at Federal Member nothing short of disgraceful. for Page Kevin Hogan’s office. Albrechtsen has a conflict of interest and is not independent. Like Peter Lewis who has undertaken the review of the ABC, she comes from a commercial broadcasting background. Yes, she has been on the Board of the ABC previously but this does not qualify her to make selection decisions about who would be the best candidate for the Board. On the contrary there are arguments to be made against her appointment not the least of which is selection of individuals who are often inferior to the person making the decision. The government keeps telling us it is using ‘best practice’ methods to make decisions about financial matters for the ABC but then fails to use the same best practice methods to choose

Page 18 Left: Northern Rivers Branch President Dr Richard Gates with Branch Secretary (and wife) Dr Anne Gates at the March in March at Byron. Right: Dr Gates displaying one of the signs from the campaign. big end of town. The management literature shows that maintenance of the independence of But we can do better. We can insist our persistence and attention to detail can the ABC. local members do better. We need to produce remarkable outcomes. We You might want to ask that the Lewis hold them to account and to keep at cannot afford to take a holiday from Review be made public as a matter of it even if we are knocked back. It is democracy. You cannot put your feet urgency. You might even want to join up to us to make appointments to see up and leave it to someone else. It is Friends of the ABC to help us in our them and put our points of view. It up to all of us to look after it. fight to keep the ABC independent and is up to us to write personal letters The ABC plays an essential role in the vital. which are delivered to their doors and fabric of our democracy. We encourage We are not a cheer squad for the ABC to the newspapers and to Your ABC. It you to write to your local member, to but we are a good friend concerned is up to us to use social media to spread Malcolm Turnbull, the minister for about its welfare and the welfare of its the word. And it is critical to focus on communications who seems to have staff. Thank you for your time. the issue and not the person. Personal ‘gone missing in action’ , and the Prime Dr Richard Gates abuse does not help. Minister to express your views about President

FABC members at “Bust the Budget” Rally at Lismore on 6 July 2014

Page 19 State and Regional Branches

New South Wales Cowper Mid North Coast ABC Friends – Mal Hewitt (President) FABC NSW Martin Miller (Secretary) Drusi Megget National Office PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 Bundilla Farm, 24 Arncliffe Ave Phone: 4751 6227 1516 Eastern Dorrigo Way Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (Previously Victoria FABC) [email protected] Ulong NSW 2450 Phone: 6583 8798 Glenys Stradijot, Phone: 6654 5259 [email protected] Campaign Manager ACT and Region [email protected] GPO Box 4065 Catherine Henderson Harry Creamer Melbourne VIC 3001 PO Box 3984 Eastern Suburbs PO Box 1888 Phone: (03) 9682 0073 Weston Creek ACT 2611 Nizza Siano (Secretary) Port Macquarie 2444 [email protected] 16 Holland Rd Phone: 02 6582 6187 Phone: 6288 0237 Mobile: 0431 158 252 Queensland – FABC Mobile: 0409 989 550 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Ann McGrath Phone/Fax: 9327 3423 PO Box 1658 [email protected] [email protected] Northern Rivers Dr Richard Gates Toowong QLD 4066 Armidale Great Lakes and PO Box 64,Evans Head NSW 2473 Phone: 07 3870 7718 Priscilla Connor (Secretary) Manning Valley Phone 02 6682 5161 [email protected] 41 Judith Street Margaret Gardner [email protected] Armidale NSW 2350 South Australia – FABC 49 Carmona Drive Tweed sub branch Phone: 6772 2217 Jessica Knight Forster NSW 2428 Sandy Copley [email protected] PO Box 7158 Hutt St Phone: 6554 9181 (H) Phone: 6677 1570 Adelaide SA 5000 6591 3704 (W) [email protected] Phone: 0412 139 485 Blue Mountains [email protected] Margaret Foy Byron sub branch [email protected] 10 / 19-21 Fitzroy Street Hunter Jill Keogh Leura NSW 2780 Allan Thomas Phone: 6688 4558 Western Australia – FABC Phone: 4784 1139 PO Box 265 [email protected] Ms Bobbie Mackley Mobile: 0425 233 450 Merewether NSW 2291 PO Box 534 [email protected] Phone: 4930 7309 Lismore sub branch Subiaco WA 6904 [email protected] Therese Crollick [email protected] Central Coast Phone: 6624 2289 Klaas Woldring Illawarra [email protected] Tasmania – FABC 6 Tourmaline Ave Jan Kent (Secretary) Anne O’Byrne (Secretary) Pearl Beach NSW 2256 PO Box 336, Unanderra 2526 Riverina / Murray 11 Ramsay Street Phone: 4341 5170 Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 Drew Porter Launceston TAS 7250 [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 5659 Phone: 03 6331 1108 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 [email protected] Phone: 6922 3813 Mobile: 0409 369 253 [email protected]

Membership Form NOT for membership renewal Please fill out the form below and return it – use only if joining. with your payment to: The Treasurer, Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. Existing members please await reminder notice PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW 2059. in mail on subscription due date.

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