The Federal Government is guilty of pathological aggression against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation if, as reported, tonight's Budget leaves a $10 million shortfall in ABC funding, the Australian Democrats said today.

Senator Vicki Bourne, Media Spokesperson for the Democrats, said "The question must be asked: is it a co-incidence that the ABC is being gutted at the same time as the Government seems committed to undermining media diversity laws?

"The current controversy over cross-media changes has highlighted the crucial role of a fully-funded and independent ABC.

"Australians will not be guaranteed independent and adequate news and current affairs if cross-media laws are to be changed and if ABC cut-backs continue. This is beyond dispute. Therefore, the Governments's motives must be questioned.

"Cuts to programmes will be even worse if, as some have predicted, the Budget also includes cuts to the National Transmission Agency.

"The ABC has passed the point where further cut-backs can be absorbed in administrative costs or trimming of existing programmes. The inevitable result must be across-the-board cuts to core programming, including drama, sport, science, comedy and, notably news and current affairs.

"A survey released this week revealed that 64% of Liberal voters, and on average 74% of all Australians, do not support cuts to the ABC. I urge the Government to respect the wishes of Australians, including its own supporters, by honouring its election promise and immediately dropping the punitive vendetta against the ABC."