Hundreds have attended a rally in central Melbourne to call on the Abbott government not to cut funding to the public broadcaster ABC.
The crowd was reminded of Prime Minister Tony Abbott's pre-election pledge that there would be no cuts to funding for the ABC or SBS.
"Does anyone here think that was ambiguous?" said David Risstrom, president of the Victorian branch of Friends of the ABC, drawing a loud chant of "No!".
"I ask this government ... keep to your promise. That's as little as I ask today - you made a promise, keep to it!"
Mr Risstrom urged rallygoers, which had gathered at Fed Square around midday (AEST) on Saturday, to contact government MPs over the coming days until the federal budget is handed down.
He said ABC's Australia Network service appeared set to be dropped and "who knows what else we're about to lose?" should severe funding cuts be made.
Another speaker, author Elliot Perlman, said the ABC served vital functions, including recording Australia's unique culture, informing Australians about the world and also as an emergency warning service during times of natural disaster.
"It does this 24/7 and it has been doing it for almost 100 years," Mr Perlman said.
"... When a government starves the ABC it tears the most fundamental cultural fabric of this nation and the people of Australia will duly note the identity of the vandals."
Rallygoer Dave Egan, 67, of Melbourne said he felt the ABC was already operating "on a shoestring" and yet it had provided him with years of enjoyment.
"I've worked on the mines, I've worked everywhere and always you had the ABC there to listen to," Mr Egan said.
"It's an institution, part of Australia, it brings a lot of joy and I don't want to see that snuffed out for the next generation."
Share
