‘No community TV in Wayne's World' - Greens

The Australian Greens say increased funding for the nation's public broadcasters in this year's Federal Budget is welcome but say they are struggling to understand why the Communications Minister has pulled the plug on community television.

SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE CORPORATION

Senator BOB BROWN (Tasmania-Leader of the Australian Greens) (3.50 pm)-I, and also on behalf of Senator Ludlam, move:

That the Senate-

(a) notes:

(i) the unique national broadcasting service that the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation (SBS) provides to the Australian community,

(ii) the invaluable role that the SBS plays in promoting a multicultural Australia and the services it provides to Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds, and

"Prohibiting former politicians and senior government staffers from the ABC and SBS board is a crucial step toward restoring the political independence and accountability of our national broadcasters," says Australian Greens Communications spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

"It will go some way towards repairing the damage done by Prime Minister Howard, however this does not make up for the Radio National program cuts which were also announced today."

"It is essential that our national broadcasters are adequately resourced."

 The impending trashing of safeguards against media aggregation is a tragedy for democracy in Australia, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
 
"The Nationals might think two out of three isn't bad, but I think people in regional Australia deserve protection for 100 per cent of their media diversity. Yet again the bush is being sold out for the big end of town," Senator Brown said.