Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has expressed concerns about the coverage provided by the ABC-run Australia Network, and believes it's appropriate the federal government review the Asian broadcasting service.
Speculation is growing the government is considering axing the network, which provides television services across the Asia-Pacific region, in the May budget.
Ms Bishop says she has received numerous complaints about the content broadcast by the network and the image of Australia it presented to the region.
"I am concerned given the number of complaints ... that while the content and program selection is obviously up to the ABC, that it's not actually meeting its charter and code of practice," she told ABC Radio on Friday.
She said it was appropriate the government review the contract.
The ABC was awarded the $223 million contract permanently in 2011 by the Gillard Labor government, but the coalition claims the tender process was botched.
Ms Bishop said the network was an important tool of public diplomacy, and under the contract the ABC had agreed to advance some government objectives and increase awareness of Australia in the region.
"Overall the question of whether the ABC is fulfilling its obligations under that agreement is something that I'm considering right now," she said.
