SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Fed gov ripping guts out of ABC: Labor

Labor fears the guts are about to be ripped out of the ABC, with five per cent cuts over five years on the cards.

The ABC building in Ultimo.
Labor fears the guts are about to be ripped out of the ABC, with five per cent cuts on the cards. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Updated


Skip to article content

Peppa Pig's bacon is safe for now but federal Labor warns the guts are about to be ripped out of the ABC.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the national broadcaster will face five per cent cuts over five years.

He denies the government is breaking an election promise and maintains savings can be found from administration cuts rather than cuts to programming.

But opposition communications spokesman Jason Clare has accused Mr Turnbull of weasel words.

"They're cutting the guts out of the ABC," he told ABC TV on Tuesday.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Julia Gillard was crucified for breaking one promise. Tony Abbott is a serial offender, he's broken every promise he made before the election."

Mr Clare said any savings from back office efficiencies should be channelled back into the ABC to invest in programs and content.

Media Watch reported on Monday night that 400-500 jobs will go at the broadcaster by the end of the year.

It said state versions of 7.30 will face the axe, along with a scaling back of Lateline and closures of ABC bureaus in Bangkok, New Delhi, Tokyo and New Zealand.

Mr Turnbull flagged he would have more to say on the matter later this week.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world