Statement from SBS regarding The Point: Australia Decides and the SBS Ombudsman’s review of complaints received

20 December, 2023

The SBS Ombudsman has investigated a small number of complaints received in relation to The Point: Australia Decides program, broadcast on 14 October. The Ombudsman found two breaches of the SBS Code of Practice as part of those investigations, relating to impartiality and balance.

We note the SBS Ombudsman’s findings related to elements of a robust exchange between guests during the live program. The intention of the actions taken by the program team was to ensure that the conversation taking place remained clear for audiences, fact-based and a safe space for discussion.

SBS and NITV support the work of its teams throughout the year in delivering comprehensive and impartial coverage of the referendum which explored a diversity of views, provided important insights elevating First Nations perspectives, and made a constructive contribution to the national conversation. This included The Point which travelled 39,000km to broadcast from locations in every state and territory, to ensure the voices of First Nations communities across the continent were heard.

For a pdf copy of this statement, click here.