ABC Friends

ABC Friends' efforts have contributed significantly over the years to better outcomes for the ABC, including: Planned funding cuts of past governments of both major political persuasions were moderated. The Rudd/Gillard Labor governments increased ABC funding to partially address the low level to which ABC Australian drama has fallen and to fund ne... w services, like an ad-free children's television channel. They also provided additional funding for News services. Radio Australia (the ABC's international radio service) was saved after the Howard Coalition government initially sought to close it. The Mansfield Review - which was established by the Howard Coalition government to curtail the role of the ABC - received a staggering 10,615 submissions, almost all in support of the ABC. The Rudd government introduced a new transparent and merit-based process for appointing members of the ABC Board, and it restored the staff-elected position to the ABC Board. The Gillard government legislated for Australia's international TV service to be retained as an ongoing service of the ABC. Sometimes gains are reversed or reduced and have to be fought for all over again! Organisations like ABC Friends can never rest on their laurels. 8. How does ABC Friends operate? ABC Friends has a presence in each State, with independent organisations managed by honorary Committees. The Committees set policies and are responsible for the operations of the organisations, and their members are actively engaged in the activities of ABC Friends. ABC Friends has local groups and establishes special interest groups as the interest or need arises. Following many years of co-operative work between State organisations, ABC Friends National Inc. was formed in December 2016 to act as a peak body and to ensure ongoing national co-ordination of effort. 9. How can I help ABC Friends?Read More