The Albanese Government is affirming the independence of the national broadcasters with additional ongoing funding for the ABC and the announcement today of its commitment to legislate five-year funding terms for the ABC and SBS.
The Government will deliver additional funding to the ABC of $83.1 million over 2 years from 2026-27, followed by ongoing funding of $43 million per year. This will provide ongoing funding stability to the ABC, consistent with the Government's commitment to stable five-year funding terms for the national broadcasters to educate, inform and entertain all Australians.
The Government has also today released a report outlining options to support the independence of the national broadcasters and further safeguard them against funding cuts and political interference.
Based on the report findings, the Government will legislate to firmly embed the five-year funding terms for the national broadcasters that were introduced from 1 July 2023, and currently operate only by convention. The Government will consult on the proposed legislative changes in due course.
The legislative approach would affirm the intent that the national broadcasters have stable, five-year funding terms, but would not mandate or lock in the quantum of funding. The amount of funding would remain a decision for the Government of the day, informed by future funding and investment needs of the national broadcasters.
The Albanese Government will further consider other options identified in the review aimed at protecting the ABC and SBS against political interference.
A copy of the review report and the Government's response, as well as information about the related public consultation process will be available from Tuesday, 17 December at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/review-options-support-national-broadcasters-independence
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the independence of the ABC and SBS, and funding stability is an important safeguard."
"The review has identified options to further support the independence of the ABC and SBS by strengthening funding and governance arrangements."
"The national broadcasters are important cultural institutions and pillars of our democracy, providing world-class news and entertainment in accordance with their statutory Charters, for the benefit of all Australians."
