New system for ABC/SBS board appointments
Oct 29
The Federal Government has indicated that it intends to institute new procedures for the appointment of ABC and SBS board members, introducing a new bill which it says will prevent the public broadcasters’ boards from becoming politicised.
The system outlined in the National Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill involves the communications minister of the day making appointments from a shortlist provided by an independent advisory panel. The shortlist would exclude current or former politicians and senior political staff. The ABC chair would be appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader.
The procedure was first used in March this year, but the Government says that it wants to formalise it through legislation. Cabinet minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament today that a “lack of due process” had led to concerns that the boards of the ABC and SBS were being politicised. According to communications minister Stephen Conroy, the system would ensure that the appointment procedure was as open as possible.
“The new selection scheme will ensure that all future appointments to the ABC and SBS Boards are conducted in a manner that fosters independence, transparency, accountability and public confidence,” he said.
Friends of the ABC has welcomed the amendment, saying that it would improve the independence of Australia’s public broadcasters, and prevent governments from using the boards to further political agendas. According to spokesperson Glenys Stradijot:
“Prior to the present government putting into practice its new board appointment process, stacking of the ABC Board was in danger of spiralling out of control, damaging public trust in the national broadcaster’s independence and the integrity of government.
“Now, legislation is important to ensure there is not just a pause in inappropriate appointments to the ABC and SBS boards. The new appointment process must become law. The position of staff-elected director must be restored. It ensures there is at least one member of the ABC Board who has intimate understanding of public broadcasting and is entirely independent of government.
Conroy said that the amendment bill will restore the staff-elected position on the ABC board, which was abolished by the Howard Government in 2006. He added that the position was “an important enhancement to the ABC’s independence”.
Media Spy discussion: ABC/SBS board appointments
Cyril Washbrook October 29th 2009