16th Oct 2018, 3:41 PM – Senate Committees - Finance and Public Administration References Committee - Refer to Committee (ABC + political interference)

The majority voted against a motion introduced by SA Senator Penny Wong (Labor), which means it failed and the matter will not be referred to the relevant Committee.

Another motion on this issue was introduced on this same day. The difference between the two motions was which Committee the matters would be referred to:

• the Finance and Public Administration References Committee (this motion); or
• the Environment and Communications References Committee (the other motion).

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 March 2019:

Government interference in the independence and integrity of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), with particular reference to:

(a) the operation of Parts II, III and IIIA of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, in relation to:

(i) the duties of the Board and Managing Director, and

(ii) appointments, terminations and resignations of persons under these parts;

(b) performance of the ABC Board under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, in relation to general duties of officials;

(c) implications of political influence for governance at the ABC, including via:

(i) board appointments,

(ii) funding decisions,

(iii) policy and legislative proposals,

(iv) reviews and inquiries, and

(v) content complaints, queries and requests;

(d) safeguarding and promoting the independence and integrity of the ABC; and

(e) any related matters.