The former Deputy Federal Director of the Liberal Party used his maiden speech this evening to advocate for a change to the national broadcaster’s “inner-city leftist views”.
He also called for the immediate sale of youth station Triple J, due to its demographic dominance and “clear ability to stand on its own”.
“As someone who grew up in regional Queensland, I grew up with the ABC but the ABC has left people like me and my constituents behind,” he said.
“I want to support the ABC. I like the ABC. Yet while it continues to represent only inner-city leftist views, and funded by our taxes, it is in danger of losing its social licence to operate.”
His comments follow funding cuts to the national broadcaster, which saw the loss of $35.5 million over four years outlined in the Federal Budget.
The Australia Network has also been axed, resulting in dozens of job losses for ABC staff.
Senator McGrath also used the speech to flag a private members bill for voluntary student unionism.
