and welcome to our News Email - Checking the Pulse  - providing you with useful and informative ABC Friends News bites and our way of connecting with you. Below you will find links to interesting reads/webinars, online events coming up and ABC TV productions you may enjoy. 

So, here we are at the halfway point of the Election campaign. Maybe you have already cast your postal vote? How are you coping? Our public broadcaster is trying (maybe in vain) to secure a debate with our 2 major party Leaders - will Sco-Mo say yes to Our ABC with 3 weeks to go, we wonder.

Look out for our digital ads currently on display around Adelaide town supporting and promoting the longevity and commitment to public media freedom and Our ABC. 

ABC News and Updates

• Remember Barry Jones ? He casts a sober view of our current toxic political landscape lacking ambition - explained here.

• And remember Philippa McDonald who was with the ABC for 30 years - she continues to remind us of  the vital work of the ABC in an emergency here.

• According to ABC’s Vote Compass Survey last week, climate change is the most important issue for voters this election. So, Bernard Keane has an interesting perspective, reporting that climate is being ignored, especially by the ABC - article available here.

Informative Reads

• Some good news from the Solomon Islands security agreement with China fallout: a Pacific policy including a significant increase promise in funding for ABC International. An extra $8m per year is an increase of some 80% on its present funding, and will enable it to do so much more, not just in programming but in training and assisting broadcasters among our Pacific neighbours. Jemima Garrett’s excellent article can be read here.

Dates to put in your Diary

• Wednesday 4th May on ABC 24 at 12.30pm.  The 2022 Treasury debate at the National Press Club with Josh Frydenburg and Jim Chalmers. 

• Friday 6th May 11am Via Zoom. Australia Institute invites a federal climate debate with Angus Taylor and Chris Bowen. Australia Institute is keen to present this online debate and has invited Angus and Chris -More details and registration here. 

Until our next edition - stay informed and safe!

On behalf of your ABCF SA/NT 2022 Committee

Sue Pinnock - President

Sandra Coopman - Secretary 

Mihir Makwana - Treasurer

Nick Carroll, Roselie Copley, Andrew Johnston, John Pezy, Shelley Pezy, Daryl Regan and Richard Ruffin - Committee Members