Alliance members present at the now infamous speech delivered by ABC chair, Maurice Newman were appalled what appeared to be a blatant breach of editorial independenc as well as a thinly veiled attack on the professionalism and integrity of ABC journalists. Federal secretary Chris Warren has written to both Newman and ABC managing director, Mark Scott, warning that this breach of editorial independence risked damaging the public broadcaster’s reputation for high quality, independent news and current affairs. Read Warren’s letter to Newman here, and to Mark Scott here.

The Indonesian Journalists’ Association has mounted a court challenge to the Indonesian censor’s decision to ban public screenings of the award-winning film, Balibo. Alliance federal secretary, Chris Warren, wrote this week to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, urging him to raise the issue during the visit to Canberra this week of President Yudhoyono. Read the letter here. Read coverage of the issue: http://bit.ly/b9TbjA.

The Equity Foundation is delighted to announce a Musical Theatre Day in Melbourne on Monday 22 March and Sydney, Monday 29 March with Kellie Dickerson, Musical Director, Wicked and Roger Hodgman, Director, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd. It will be a full day workshop focussing on the audition/casting process and rehearsal period. It is a national workshop and open to Equity financial members in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and Western Australia.

What do you want to see in your new agreement? Have your say on pay and conditions by going to https://www.cpsusurveys.org.au/ABC_Bargaining_Survey.asp All staff are welcome to complete the survey, so pass it around to your colleagues today. More information or to become a workplace delegate contact claire.orourke@alliance.org.au

It will be an opportunity to refresh your audition technique and develop skills in a workshop environment.  Working with UK based Gary Davy will also give you an insight into the UK casting experience.

The Pacific Magazines collective agreement is under renegotiation, after management put forward a proposal for the new agreement. To see the full proposal click here and fill in the survey here. For more information contact Claire O’Rourke on 02 9333 0935 or claire.orourke@alliance.org.au .

He lost three Walkley trophies when the Black Saturday bushfires destroyed his Kinglake home, but now The Australian’s Gary Hughes’ trophy case will be groaning after he took out the 2009 Gold Walkley and Best Print News Report for his accounts of the disaster. News Ltd also presented Hughes with three replacement trophies for those he lost. FoI campaigner Michael McKinnon was recognised for Journalism Leadership, and Tony Stephens for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism at the 54th Walkleys in Sydney last night. Get the details on all the winners here.