Cuts to the ABC were needed because the federal budget deficit after the 2013 election was larger than expected, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.
Labor leader Bill Shorten challenged Mr Abbott in parliament on Tuesday to admit to a pre-election promise not to cut funding to the national broadcaster.
"Of course I made that statement," Mr Abbott said.
But he added that before the election the previous Labor government had said the budget deficit would be $30 billion.
"It turned out to be closer to $50 billion," Mr Abbott said.
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"So under the circumstances under which we now find ourselves it is necessary for the ABC to face the kind of savings search which every other part of government is subject to."
The prime minister also challenged Mr Shorten to explain how deep he would cut ABC funding.
Mr Shorten told reporters on Tuesday he did not think the cuts should be "as deep as they are".
