Alston jibe angers ABC staff

Date: 08 September 2003

ABC staff have firmly rejected Communications Minister, Richard Alston's suggestion that the embattled national broadcaster should fix its ongoing funding problems by cutting staff and outsourcing more programs.

Speaking on Channel Nine at the weekend, Minister Alston said "...If you look at what Channel Seven announced the other day, it was jobs not programming, whereas for the ABC it's always the other way around...I think outsourcing is a very neglected area."
According the CPSU's Graeme Thomson, staff found Alston's comments "offensive," "unhelpful" and "factually inaccurate."
"The reality is that since 1997 more than a thousand people have lost their jobs as direct result of his Government's funding cuts," he said.
"As for outsourcing, it is already at record levels, particularly for production. We strongly believe it is eroding the independence, quality and integrity of the ABC.
"The Australian public value the ABC's distinctiveness. Outsourcing eats away at it like cancer.
"Staff at the ABC are proud. They love their jobs and they're good at them. But they are increasingly disenchanted with the cheap, political humbug coming from Richard Alston. Staff are serious about quality public broadcasting. The question is, is he?
"We would encourage all Australians interested in finding what's really going on in the ABC to attend the 'Save the ABC' rally in Sydney this weekend," Mr Thomson added.

For comment: Graeme Thomson 0419 281 702

Save ABC Rally:
Where: The Domain (Art Gallery side)
When: Sunday 14 Sept, 12noon -2.00pm

For further information

Contact:	Graeme Thomson
Union:	0419 281 702

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