The Prime Minister has defended a government senator's move to investigate the ABC's complaints handling process, saying no government agency is above scrutiny.
Key points:
- The PM says an inquiry into the ABC's complaints system is part of regular government business
- The ABC's chair has called the inquiry an attempt to undermine the broadcaster
- Ita Buttrose says relations are "strained" and senators should be contacting her if they have concerns
Senator Andrew Bragg, who heads the government-dominated Senate communications committee, last week announced an inquiry into how the ABC and SBS respond to complaints.
In a statement, the ABC's chair Ita Buttrose said the inquiry was a "blatant" attempt to undermine the ABC's independence, especially because an independent external inquiry into the issue was already underway.
Ms Buttrose told ABC Radio National the government's inquiry was an attempt to "intimidate" and "mute" the national broadcaster.
"What we have here really is a partisan political exercise under the guise of using its Senate legislation committee for government senators to undermine the ABC's independence, there's no other way I can take this," Ms Buttrose said.
"We're already conducting an inquiry."
Mr Morrison told reporters the inquiry was a matter for the Senate, but that there was nothing unusual about the committee's decision to investigate the ABC.
"Yes, they [the ABC] have their independence, and no-one is questioning that, but they are not above scrutiny for how they conduct themselves using taxpayers' money," Mr Morrison said.
"I don't know why they would consider themselves an exception to business as usual."
Ms Buttrose has said the ABC already presents itself before senators multiple times a year to be questioned, and that the inquiry should not be considered part of the Senate's "regular" business.
"This matter is completely different. I'm advised that it's highly unusual for a government to use a legislative committee to specifically investigate one of its agencies," Ms Buttrose said.
She has called on the government to terminate the inquiry, or at least suspend it until the independent inquiry is completed.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has said she will put forward a motion in the Senate for the inquiry to be terminated.
'Strained' relationship between government and broadcaster
Senator Bragg last week said he was launching the inquiry because of "public concerns" about the broadcaster's current complaints system.
"As a strong supporter of the ABC, I am worried that complaints are not being seriously addressed and this is undermining the organisation," he said in a statement.
Ms Buttrose questioned why the senator had not contacted her personally to discuss his concerns, noting he had already been interviewed as part of the external ABC inquiry.
"We are not the enemy, we are easily accessible," Ms Buttrose said.
"I have said to politicians many times, I am approachable, please pick up the phone. If you've got a complaint, if you've got a problem with the ABC I'm here to talk to you, don't hesitate to call.
"So why didn't Senator Bragg give me a call if he has a problem with the ABC?"
Ms Buttrose acknowledged the ABC's relationship with the government was "strained".
"It is a matter that concerns me very much. I wish we had a much better relationship with the government," she said.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiXmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTExLTE1L3ByaW1lLW1pbmlzdGVyLWRlZmVuZHMtYWJjLWNvbXBsYWludHMtaW5xdWlyeS8xMDA2MjA1OTjSAQA?oc=5
2021-11-15 01:11:46Z
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