Almost immediately following former ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien’s discussion with Bradfield residents on why the ABC is too important to lose, the Federal Government announced it would remove its contentious indexation pause that cut ABC funding by $84 million, leading to the loss of 250 jobs and programs. Kerry O'Brien spoke as an online guest of Janine Kitson's BradfieldcandoBetter webinar that was attended by over 100 Bradfield residents. “The federal government’s announcement of the removal of the indexation pause is welcome", said Janine Kitson, Independent for Bradfield and former convenor of the local branch of Friends of the ABC. "The Bradfield community have worked for over three years lobbying their MP and Minister for Communication Paul Fletcher. We have told him loud and clear that we want the cuts and the attacks on the ABC to stop. This is why I am standing as an Independent candidate for Bradfield. "Unfreezing the indexation pause is the first baby step in repairing the damage done to the ABC since 2014 when the Liberal National Party cumulatively cut more than half a billion dollars from the ABC's budget resulting in 1200 staff losses and program cuts. Tragically they even terminated the ABC's International Australia Network television service in the Asia-Pacific. Something we now need more than ever. "This announcement is a mere first ‘breather’ for our national broadcaster. There is still much to do.
“We need ongoing, secure and sufficient five-year funding agreements to take the politics out of the ABC’s funding. "The ABC must be free and independent to deliver high quality public interest news and entertainment for all Australians. "If the Liberal Party is truly genuine about their commitment to the ABC they will also rescind their 2018 resolution to privatise the ABC", concluded Janine Kitson.
Kerry O'Brien stressed at the BradfieldcandoBetter webinar that he is not in the business of endorsing candidates, but expressed his support for any candidate or party who implements policies for a strong, independent and well-funded ABC. Contact: Janine Kitson 0428 860 623 |
