We're at the tail end of the election campaign and ready to have a good rest.
Across Australia, ABC Friends volunteers have worked hard to get our message across to voters, reminding them that we need a fearless independent ABC, now more than ever.
Our supporters have displayed corflutes, organised events, letter-boxed, talked to candidates, handed out advice at polling stations and donated to our campaign. We've also run an extensive social media campaign.
Importantly, we developed policy which we put to the major parties and political candidates as a six point campaign platform. Regardless of who wins the election, policy development will continue as we seek to secure better outcomes for the ABC. With that in mind, I encourage you to sign our campaign petition if you haven't already done so – see the link in this newsletter.
This newsletter features two articles about Peter Dutton. ABC Friends rarely focuses on individual politicians but as leader of the opposition and potential prime minister important that we respond to Mr Dutton's comments on the ABC.
Mr Dutton has refused to rule out cuts to the ABC, an ominous sign. And in recent days, he described the ABC and The Guardian as "hate media". Such inflammatory remarks are unworthy of an Australian political leader.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign. I can't tell you what a difference it makes knowing you are there backing the ABC and ABC Friends.
Cassandra
Peter Dutton says ABC is "hate media"
Dutton called the ABC and The Guardian "hate media" at a Liberal Party rally in Melbourne.
In his most recent "jest" he advised "any young ones at home" to "forget the ABC" on election night. But Peter Dutton’s comments aren’t funny and his attacks against the ABC aren’t new.
Where do the parties stand on the ABC?
Want some guidance on who to support in this election? Check out our election scorecards to see where the parties stand.
ABC Friends rally in Sydney
Australia’s democracy is fragile and under threat from disinformation and lies, warned five leading advocates for a strong ABC. Learn more about what was shared at a rally in support of a fearless and independent national broadcaster, hosted by ABC Friends NSW & ACT and chaired by NSW&ACT President, Tess Howes.
We need a fearless independent ABC
It’s not too late to sign the petition to defend the ABC.
Who will stand up for the ABC?
ABC Friends asked candidates in many electorates to answer questions about their support for the ABC.
Alan Kohler: The ABC’s role in preserving democracy is more important than ever
Academics sound alarm over ABC’s future
Last month, Australian academics highlighted the influence of federal election cycles on the ABC. By examining ABC funding cuts in the context of current global events, the authors explored what the upcoming election could mean for our national broadcaster.
We have socks and they're SO cute!
We have fun socks for the kids in your life! Colourful children’s socks displaying the ABC Friends logo are now available in two sizes — 5-8 years, and 8-12 years.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, these fun and quirky socks are sure to delight the little ones in your life.
What's Peter Dutton’s plan for the ABC? We fear the worst
On 2 April, when Raf Epstein of ABC Melbourne asked Peter Dutton if he would cut ABC funding if elected, Dutton’s reply was equivocal at best.
“I think where we find waste and we find ineffective spending, then we don't support that,” Dutton said.
In a later interview with Jacqui Felgate on 3AW, Dutton refused to rule out cutting funds to the ABC.
What are independent candidates saying about the ABC?
In the lead-up to the election, the major parties have told us where they stand on the ABC. But what about the Independents? what they've told our friends at ABC Alumni.
Thank you again for all your support.
Warm regards
Cassandra Parkinson
President
ABC Friends
P.S. If you can, please consider making a donation to support our work.