The Australian Democrats' Spokesperson on Communications, Senator Vicki Bourne, has called for the appointment of the former President of the Victorian division of the Liberal Party, Mr Michael Kroger, to be scrutinised by a committee of the Australian Parliament.

"The Minister for Communications should have no difficulty complying with this, as this was one of the recommendations made by the Senate Select Committee on the ABC Management and Operations in its Report,'Our ABC'. Senator Alston was Chair of that Committee.

"In light of the appointments made to the Board by Senator Alston since he became Minister, the Coalition's complaint that Labor has blatantly politicised the ABC Board* rings more than a little hollow.

"No doubt the Minister believes that Mr Kroger has the appropriate mix of skills necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of an ABC Board member. I hope that he is right.

"However, Parliament should have the right to confirm the appropriateness of this appointment. After all, we are the elected representatives of the Australian people and it is our responsibility to protect public interest.

"There can be no doubt that a strong and independent ABC is absolutely and utterly in the best interests of the Australian people. In fact, it is vital for our democracy.

"The Minister for Communications and the Treasurer have been remorseless in their attacks on the ABC. I am particularly concerned that somebody so close to these two Ministers should now be on the governing body of the ABC.

"It is as unacceptable for the Coalition to make political appointments as it was for the ALP. In fact, it could now be argued that this appointment is particularly inappropriate because of the Howard Government's sustained and vicious attacks on the national broadcaster."

*'Better Communications, The Liberal and National Parties' Communications Policy', 1996.