Summary

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The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (Greens). This means the matters set out below will be referred to that Committee for an inquiry.

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

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 March 2019:

The allegations of political interference in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), with particular reference to:

(a) the termination of ABC Managing Director, Ms Michelle Guthrie;

(b) the conduct of the Chair and the Board;

(c) the structure, composition and appointments of the ABC Board;

(d) the political influence or attempted influence of the Government over ABC editorial decision-making, including:

(i) outcomes of the Competitive Neutrality of the National Broadcaster Inquiry and Efficiency Review - ABC and SBS, and

(ii) the role of funding uncertainty in facilitating political influence;

(e) governance, legislative and funding options to strengthen the editorial independence and strength of the ABC to prosecute its charter obligations; and

(f) other related matters.

Votes Passed by a small majority

Nobody rebelled against their party.

Party Votes
Cory Bernardi SA Australian Conservatives No
Australian Greens (89% turnout) 8 Yes 0 No
Richard Di Natale Victoria Yes
Mehreen Faruqi NSW Yes
Sarah Hanson-Young SA Yes
Nick McKim Tasmania Yes
Janet Rice Victoria Yes
Rachel Siewert WA Yes
Larissa Waters Queensland Yes
Peter Whish-Wilson Tasmania Yes
Jordon Steele-John WA Absent
Australian Labor Party (68% turnout) 0 Yes 17 No
Kim Carr Victoria No
Anthony Chisholm Queensland No
Jacinta Collins Victoria No
Patrick Dodson WA No
Alex Gallacher SA No
Kristina Keneally NSW No
Chris Ketter Queensland No
Kimberley Kitching Victoria No
Gavin Marshall Victoria No
Jenny McAllister NSW No
Malarndirri McCarthy NT No
Claire Moore Queensland No
Deborah O'Neill NSW No
Louise Pratt WA No
Lisa Singh Tasmania No
David Smith ACT No
Anne Urquhart Tasmania No
Catryna Bilyk Tasmania Absent
Carol Brown Tasmania Absent
Doug Cameron NSW Absent
Don Farrell SA Absent
Helen Polley Tasmania Absent
Glenn Sterle WA Absent
Murray Watt Queensland Absent
Penny Wong SA Absent
Centre Alliance (100% turnout) 2 Yes 0 No
Stirling Griff SA Yes
Rex Patrick SA Yes
Nigel Scullion NT Country Liberal Party Yes
Derryn Hinch Victoria Derryn Hinch's Justice Party Yes
Sue Lines WA Deputy President No
Lucy Gichuhi SA Independent Yes
Tim Storer SA Independent Yes
Steve Martin Tasmania Independent Absent
Fraser Anning Queensland Katter's Australian Party No
David Leyonhjelm NSW Liberal Democratic Party No
Liberal National Party (100% turnout) 2 Yes 0 No
Matthew Canavan Queensland Yes
James McGrath Queensland Yes
Liberal Party (74% turnout) 17 Yes 0 No
Eric Abetz Tasmania Yes
Simon Birmingham SA Yes
Slade Brockman WA Yes
David Bushby Tasmania Yes
Richard Colbeck Tasmania Yes
Jonathon Duniam Tasmania Yes
David Fawcett SA Yes
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells NSW Yes
Mitch Fifield Victoria Yes
Jane Hume Victoria Yes
Jim Molan NSW Yes
James Paterson Victoria Yes
Marise Payne NSW Yes
Linda Reynolds WA Yes
Anne Ruston SA Yes
Dean Smith WA Yes
Amanda Stoker Queensland Yes
Michaelia Cash WA Absent
Mathias Cormann WA Absent
Lucy Gichuhi SA Absent
Ian Macdonald Queensland Absent
Zed Seselja ACT Absent
Arthur Sinodinos NSW Absent
National Party (67% turnout) 1 Yes 1 No
Bridget McKenzie Victoria Yes
Barry O'Sullivan Queensland No
John Williams NSW Absent
Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party (100% turnout) 0 Yes 2 No
Peter Georgiou WA No
Pauline Hanson Queensland No
Scott Ryan Victoria President Yes
Brian Burston NSW United Australia Party Absent
Totals (78% turnout) 35 Yes – 24 No