An “efficiency” study has been launched to review the funding of SBS and the ABC, by the Federal Government. The Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the government’s review of the broadcasters’ spending and work practices will begin in February with a final report to be delivered in April.
This places more pressure on the national broadcaster, ABC, who came under fire this week by the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who accused them of bias and says “ABC takes everyone’s side but not Australia’s”.
Speculation is mounting that ABC’s budget will be cut, and their are rumours that the Federal Government is looking at cutting, dividing and even privatising the ABC.
Labor’s communications spokesman Jason Clare said the study was ”all about providing an excuse to cut the ABC’s budget”.
“The night before the election Tony Abbott said there would be ‘no cuts to the ABC,” he said.
“If Tony Abbott cuts the ABC’s budget it will mean he is a liar, simple as that.
“This is also more evidence of division in the Liberal Party. Tony Abbott rolled Malcolm Turnbull for the leadership and now he has rolled him on cuts to the ABC.”
