 The Federal Government’s decision to abolish the position of a staff-elected representative to the ABC board is an arrogant move that rides roughshod over the independence of the ABC board. “It’s common practice in organisations of this sort to have staff representatives on the board to ensure that the board understands the creative collaboration that underpins the broadcaster,” Alliance federal secretary Christopher Warren said.
“Under a veil of promoting accountability, the Government is trying to stack the board with yet more of its political allies.
“Abandoning the one elected member of the board means that the only truly accountable board member is being done away within in favour of yet another government-appointee,” Warren said.
“The position of a staff-elected director to the ABC board has worked perfectly well for a quarter of a century. Respected broadcasters have brought their expertise to deepen the board deliberations,” he said.
Submissions made to a Senate inquiry in 2001 into the methods of appointment to the ABC board showed widespread concern that the ABC had already become politicised. Government senators at the time made no move to abolish the staff-elected director position and submissions to the inquiry even called for two positions be made available for staff-elected representatives.
“The ABC should not be reduced to the status of a mouthpiece for the government. A staff-elected director of the ABC board ensures that at least someone with broadcast experience is on the ABC board,” Warren said.
“Without that presence through a staff-elected director, the ABC board will appear more a tool of politics than of proper corporate governance,” he said. |
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