ABC FUNDING A SERIOUS MATTER
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the Coalition recognises the important role that ABC plays in Australia as a national broadcaster providing radio and television services.
“While in Government, the Coalition ensured that the ABC was well-resourced and able to meet the challenges of the future, including the transition to the digital environment,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Under the former Coalition Government, the ABC was funded to the tune of $2.5 billion for the current triennial funding round.
“In 2007-08, as budgeted by the Coalition, the ABC received 65% more funding than it received from Labor when they were last in Government in 1995-96.
“Prior to the last election, the Coalition also committed an additional $82 million over four years to fund a specific ABC children’s channel. Labor has not matched this commitment.
“The ABC’s triennial base funding will need to be renewed by Labor in the context of the next Budget.
‘The Coalition is committed to ensuring a well-resourced ABC and I will continue to push the Labor Government on behalf of my constituents to ensure that the next triennial funding commitment shows due recognition of the challenges facing the ABC," Philip Ruddock said.