Media Release - FABC (Australia-wide) August 19, 1996

In a national telephone conference this weekend, presidents of Friends of the ABC from all States and the ACT determined to put the Howard Government on notice over the ABC Review, now being conducted by Mr Bob Mansfield.

'Our members are complaining bitterly about the lack of time given to respond to the review and the restricted terms of reference. They are telling us the Mansfield Review appears to be flawed, almost beyond repair. It is clear that the review risks being seen as a Clayton's Inquiry.

'This review was conceived in haste. Its deliberations are being conducted in secret. The public has been given only one month to provide comment.

'Our members are now asking why the Government has failed to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation of the challenges that face the public broadcasting sector in this country.

'Australians need to be clear about the Review currently underway. The terms of reference have been deliberately skewed by the Government to achieve a weakened and diminished ABC. The purpose is to rationalise $65 million of arbitrary cuts and push the ABC to the margins of the nation's electronic culture.'

The presidents said the challenge for Mr Mansfield was to resist the pressure from the Government, and recognise the real strengths of the ABC. The ABC must be retained as a comprehensive, independent, national broadcasting service.

'To understand this, Mr Mansfield needs to hold a wide-ranging round of public hearings, in both urban and regional areas in every State and Territory. In addition, Mr Mansfield must immediately extend the period allowed for submissions to 30 September 1996.

'Our message to Mr Mansfield and the Howard Government on the future of the ABC is simple. We are not relaxed. Nor are we comfortable. We will be seeking urgent meetings with Mr Mansfield to argue our case,' the presidents concluded.

Further comment in your own State:

Marshall Ahern (NSW)	02 9969 9280
June Factor (Vic.)	03 9499 6151
George Blair West (Qld)	07 3263 3841
Alan Bohn (SA)	08 331 8095
Mark Brook (WA)	09 867 4304
Betty Nicholson (Tas)	007 284 284
Chas Savage (ACT)	06 257 4810