Queensland deputy premier Anna Bligh has told State Parliament that ABC staff have been under intense pressure, working in substandard and sometimes unsafe conditions as a result of the ‘cancer cluster’ relocation of the ABC’s Brisbane studios.

“I call on Helen Coonan – the federal Minister today – to accept responsibility for this situation, to come and see the circumstances for herself and put in place a clear plan to deal with it. I can say to her as the Minister for Infrastructure that the Queensland Government stands ready to work in partnership with the Federal Government.”
Bligh has also urged Coonan to visit the ABC sites, saying the federal government’s response to the problem has been “tardy, uncaring and callous.”

She said ABC staff have been moved to sites which are still under construction and are unsafe.

ABC’s managing director Mark Scott rejected the deputy premier’s comments, saying governments are already doing enough to resolve the situation:

“I’m also disappointed with her suggestion that we are not getting support from the state, local and federal governments… the Federal Government has been very supportive in a difficult time… everyone has indicated they are willing to help to find a permanent facility for ABC staff, and that is what we are trying to deliver.”