13 December 1996

Dear Dr Factor

Thank you for your facsimile of 18 August and your letter of 5 September 1996 on behalf of the Friends of the ABC. I apologise for the delay in replying.

The Government is aware that the ABC is an important part of the lives of many Australians. In setting up the Mansfield Review, the Government was conscious of the need to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the activities of the ABC which they most value.

Mr Mansfield has received over 11,500 submissions and the views expressed in these together with views expressed in Mr Mansfield's consultations with key groups will be taken into account in determining the ABC's future role and functions. The Government is committed to maintaining a strong, independant, focussed ABC which delivers quality programming as efficiently as possible.

However, this committment has to be set within a difficult budgetary environment and the overall Government objective of reducing the $8 billion deficit within two years. In this context, the Government considers that funding of $500 million per year to the ABC represents a very strong commitment to national broadcasting.

I look forward to the completion of Mr Mansfield's report which will provide the basis for ensuring that the ABC can effectively meet the challenges of the rapidly changing broadcast environment.

As at the time of the Federal election, the Government continues to have a high regard for the Friends of the ABC and sees them as an important stakeholder in relation to the ABC. I welcome the groups's views and encourage the Friends of the ABC to continue to take an active interest in ongoing issues affecting the ABC.

I would be pleased to meet with Friends of the ABC in the new year after the Government has had the opportunity to consider the outcomes arising from the Mansfield Review. This would provide a basis for discusion with your organisation.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention.

Yours sincerely

[signed]

RICHARD ALSTON
Minister for Communications and the Arts

Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600. Telephone (06) 277 7480 Facsimile (06) 273 4154