The ALP has today launched its ‘Better ABC Board’ policy, proposing a new approach to the politicised ABC Board appointment process.
Outlining the policy, Shadow Communications Minister Lindsay Tanner explained that the ALP’s new proposal is similar to the UK Nolan system of public appointments.
Friends of the ABC has welcomed the system of Board appointments promised by the ALP saying: “Labor’s scheme will introduce detailed selection criteria and greater transparency.”
Friends of the ABC spokesperson Jack Clancy told radioinfo:: “It is a significant improvement on the existing system, which allows governments to appoint its political mates, instead of people with the integrity and skills to govern an independent broadcaster.
”The ALP’s scheme recognises the respect which should be accorded by all political parties for the national broadcaster’s independence. The ALP has done the honourable thing. It has committed itself to a system that would put a halt to any governments, including its own, stacking the ABC Board.”
ABC Friends now hope that the Liberal Government will match the opposition’s approach.
In the recent lobbying surrounding the Government’s new Media Bill, several key Senators included concerns about ABC funding and board appointments as key issues that they would need addressed if they were to be persuaded to pass the new Bill.
”If the Government does not act to support the ALP’s general approach, the public will draw its own conclusions. That is, the present Government is seeking to misuse the national broadcaster for its own political advantage and patronage. The onus is now clearly on the Coalition Government to respond,” said Clancy.
The ALP’s policy on ABC board appointments proposes:
. A selection panel which is independent of the government of the day will be constituted – comprising the head of the Department of Communications Information Technology & the Arts, the head of DCITA Broadcasting section, the Public Service Merit Commissioner and an independent eminent person.
. An independent selection process will be established, with detailed selection criteria developed and made public so that it can be scrutinized.
. Board positions will be advertised nationally.
. The panel shall present a short-list of at least three candidates to the Minister for Communications for final selection.