The ABC has axed television programs The New Inventors and Art Nation as part of a cost-cutting program.
The public broadcaster also will outsource other programs to independent production companies.
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ABC management has blamed the decision on falling audiences for some programs and "increasing financial pressures".
The latter excuse is a surprise to Communications Minister Stephen Conroy.
"As far as I'm aware, there have been absolutely no cuts in funding at all from the government to the ABC," he told ABC Television on Thursday.
The minister said he would ask managing director Mark Scott for further information about the funding pressures.
"I will be seeking information from Mark Scott and the management of the ABC around their statements that financial issues led to the closing of these programs", he told the ABC.
"Many times in the past, programs have been phased out and newer offerings on newer platforms have been phased in - so has the charter commitment been met? There's always a lively debate about that."
