The Rudd Government today announced a new board appointment processes for the national broadcasters to ensure “the future strength and independence of Australia’s national broadcasters.” A process of public consultation about the future of the national broadcasters has also begun.
Announcing the two initiatives today, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said he expects strong views to be expressed during the period of consultation:
“For the next two months, the Australian public will have its say on how the ABC and SBS are positioned for the next decade… The ABC and the SBS are two of Australia’s most important and loved public institutions. They have entertained, educated and informed generations of Australians. It is incumbent on all of us to ensure their future strength and independence.”
ABC Managing Director Mark Scott, who was at the Press Conference announcing the review in Canberra, has encouraged ABC audiences to have their say on the future of the ABC and the role of public broadcasting in Australia. He welcomed the release of the government’s discussion paper, calling it “an important and timely discussion in order to secure the future of the ABC.”
“The ABC is one of the most significant public institutions in Australia so it is important that audiences have the opportunity to comment on the future of their ABC during the course of this discussion. We will be alerting our audiences to the discussion paper through announcements on ABC television and radio, and have established a dedicated website with links to the discussion paper and resource documents.
“The ABC’s current funding commitment ends in June 2009 so the outcomes of this discussion paper will inform Government as it decides the funding for the next triennium. Our aim is to ensure the ABC is adequately resourced to harness the potential of digital media.”
The Government’s discussion paper ABC and SBS: Towards a Digital Future canvasses some of the key issues facing the two broadcasters during the next decade to stimulate debate.
The Rudd Government will also “restore independence to the ABC and SBS Boards” by banning appointment of political mates and opening up board positions to merit selection.
The Government is calling for applications to fill the four current vacancies on the Boards. Applications will be assessed on merit by a Nomination Panel established at arms-length from the Minister.
Conroy says: “For too long the process of appointing directors to the ABC and SBS Boards has been open to political interference. It is time to restore independence. The new selection process will ensure that all future appointments to the ABC and SBS Boards are conducted in a manner that fosters independence, transparency, accountability and public confidence.”
The Government will also reinstate the position of staff-elected director on the ABC Board.
The outcomes of the public consultation will be considered by the Government ahead of the next three-year funding round for national broadcasters, which commences in July 2009. The outcomes will also contribute to policy decisions for the long-term future of national broadcasting.
Submissions can be made to the Department of Broadband, Communications. The discussion paper is available at www.dbcde.gov.au/abcsbsreview, and information on the merit-based appointments process is available at www.dbcde.gov.au/abcsbsboards.