update november 2001

Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc.q u a rterly newsletterNovember 2001 Vol 13, 12

i n c o r p o r a t i n g

b a c k g round briefingnational magazineu p d a t efriends of the abc

Your Vote on November 10thThere are a number of issues that will determine the way you vote on November 10th. The ABC is only

one but it is a very important one. An independent and properly funded ABC is essential to our democracy.Indeed without an independent ABC properly informed voting would itself be under threat.

The Friends of the ABC have never told their members how to vote. We won’t be doing so this time, butwe do ask you to seriously consider the policies and performances of the major parties before you castyour vote.

THE BACK COVERPlease photocopy the backcover and post it on bulletinboards, in shop windows,inShopping Centres, in schools,etc.

In this issue we examine thepolicies and performance ofthe Government, theOpposition, the Democratsand the Greens. You will find acouple of pages which can becut out or photocopied andused as leaflets or increased toA3 size and put in a shop win-d o w, etc. Please use them tok e e p the Friends messageabout the ABC to the fore.There is more detail inside buthere is our report card on thepolicies and performance ofthe major parties.

It is based around four keyissues: adequate funding, anopen and non-partisan pro-cess for appointing the ABCBoard, prohibition of advertis-ing on all ABC services, andthe restoration of RadioAustralia’s capacity to 1995/96levels.

FABC REPORT CARD

SATISFACTORY

Australian Democrats AConsistent hard work and commitment.

Australian Greens BSteady support.

Australian Labor Party CCould do better.Reluctant to commit.

UNSATISFACTORYLiberal & National Parties DDisappointing.Do not take responsibilities seriously.

All national material authorised by DarceCassidy, 40 3rd Ave, St. Peters S.A.5069 All NSW material Authorised by PenelopeToltz 11-17 Buckingham Street SurryHills.2010 Printed by BEE Print Mail 1/5Waltham Street, Artarmon,NSW 2064

NSW ‘FRIENDS’ ACTIVITIES LEADING UP TOTHE FEDERAL ELECTION

For the last six months the Friends ofthe ABC has had a dedicated MarginalSeats Campaign Sub –Committee whichhas formed groups in each marginal seatin New South Wales.

The Friends of the ABC (NSW) Incwork will continue until all aims and objec-tives of the Shareholders’ Charter areachieved.

In the next few weeks our membersare involved in a number of activitiesleading up to the Federal Election Day,10th Nov.

Continued on page 2

REMEMBER THEABC

WHEN YOU VOTE

NSW ‘FRIENDS’ ACTIVITIES Continued from page 1

Central Coast Friends of theABC held a public meeting atGosford Leagues Club Sunday7th Oct. This group will hold apublic "Meet the Candidate"event at the same venue Sunday,28th Oct 2pm.

Lower Blue MountainsFriends of the ABC held aAfternoon Meeting 1-4 at LawsonPublic School Groundsaddressed by Kerry Obrien NoniHazelhurst, Michael Craig,Rebecca Gilling Penelope Toltz. Itreceived front page coverage inthe local newspaper the BlueMountains Gazette.

Parramatta Group will hold aMeet the Candidate event Nov.7th Granville Town Hall. RossCameron is the local member

Byron Bay sub branch willhold a "Meet the Candidate"event at "The Rails", Byron Bay12-2 4th Nov.

Lismore sub branch will holda "Meet the Candidate" event inconjunction with Lismore Counciland has sent questionnaires to alllocal candidates.

Eden Monaro Friends of theABC will hold a public meeting toMeet the Candidate 2nd Nov. atBungendore.

Queanbeyan will hold a pub-lic meeting on 4th Nov., to beaddressed by Quentin Dempster.

Bathurst sub branch will beholding meet the candidatesevent 30th Oct. 7 pm at BathurstPanthers.

Armidale Friends has heldmeetings with each of the localcandidates attending separatemeetings.

On the back page of thispublication is a copy of the flyerbeing sent to all our sub-groupsin New South Wales. The flyer willalso be emailed to our otherbranches in other states. ContactPenelope Toltz. (02) 9960 5542

‘NSW Friends’ Christmas PartyVenue: Government Transport Social Club,

19 Regent Street, Chippendale (150 metres from Broadwa y )

Friday, 30 November, 20016.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Cost: $15.00 per person (includes finger food and drinks)

RSVP: To Peter Burke (Treasurer), 2 Ayres Road, St Ives

NSW 2075 or email [email protected] by 23 Nov 2001

Payment by cheque, postal order or credit card (Mastercard,Visa

or Bankcard only)

Please Note: Due to construction at ABC Headquarters, we have had to

move the venue this year and, of course, disabled parking will not be

available.The closest parking stations are in Quay and Thomas Streets

(behind the ABC).

Kerry O’Brien speaking at the FABC BlueMountains Meeting held Sunday, 14 Oct., atthe Lawson Public School grounds in theLower Blue Mountains. Noni Hazelhurst,Michael Craig, Rebecca Gilling and PenelopeToltz also addressed the large group.

Photo Scott Warren,Courtesy Blue Mountains.Gazette

REMEMBER THE ABC

WHEN YOU VOTE

P re s i d e n t ’s ReportThis has been the most active

year for the Friends of the ABC(NSW) Inc since I came on boardin 1996. I thank all those volun-teers who have helped us to work,in a more professional way thanever before.

The most important task wehad this year was to get the ABConto the political agenda and intothe heads of politicians. Thoughthere have been many otherevents which have been extremelyserious, the ABC is now firmly onthe agenda. When catastrophesoccur, as they did on September11, it is the ABC which gives usthe total picture with careful analy-sis, and a number of differentviewpoints.

I would like to thank all thosevolunteers who have worked tire-lessly in many of the Federal elec-torates all year, bringing the ABCFriends message to local Federalmembers of parliament.

In another part of this publica-tion you will see the number ofpublic activities in marginal seatsthat have or will be taking place inthe weeks leading up to the FederalElection 10th November.

However, this does not showthe amount of quiet work that isneeded to make these events hap-pen. A big thank you to IrenieRennie, our election sub-commit-tee guru and our dedicated teamwho has been working t i re l e s s l y,finding helpers in marginal seats,giving them information, helpingthem to get the job done.

Members of the Friends of theABC have seen their local FederalMP at least once in the last fewweeks. They have held letter writ-ing days, held stalls, and ofcourse, organised events at which

local candidates for office can bequestioned about their attitudes tothe ABC and their wish and aim tocall for a return to the core fundingof the early 1990’s, an end to gov-ernment interference and a newfairer method of Board selection.

I also congratulate the newFriends of the ABC (NSW) Inccommittee members, elected atour AGM 6th October 2001.

To say that this last year hasbeen turbulent for the ABC is anunderstatement. Changi standsout as a reminder of the glory daysof the ABC Drama department,but of course, it was commissionedwell before this present MD was inpower.

In the past 18 months theABC has spent $25 million onredundancies alone! How manyprograms could that money havemade? Think about it - $100,000for a one hour documentary,$500,000-$800,000 per episodefor drama, $80,000 -$100,000 fora comedy program. (all figuresapproximate).

Due to the efforts of rural andregional Australians, money wasfound for regional broadcasting inthe last budget – but it was tem-porary and tied to certain pro-gramming. This once again putsunacceptable constraints on theway the ABC works. See our"What’s all the fuss about funding"article in this publication. We alsopushed for the Senate Enquiry intoBoard appointments. See theSenate web site for the Report.

You don’t always see obviousresults from your work, Members,but, believe me persistence countsas we have seen this year.

Penelope Toltz

FABC (NSW) Inc. Executive CommitteePresident- Penelope Toltz Phone: 9960 5542 Fax 9960 5767Treasurer- Peter Burke Phone 9144 2668 email [email protected] Lilliane Leroy Phone 9969 5159Membership Secretary- Dev and Faith Webber Phone 9990 0600

For fans of Phil Somerville's work, our honorarycartoonist's book "I'm Moderately Fond ofAustralia" is now available from book shops.

Please write to:Mr Donald McDonald,

Chairman ABC, 700 HarrisStreet, Ultimo and let himknow how much you have val-ued the calm, professionalABC reporting analysis onevents which have occurredsince the disastrous destruc-tion of the World Trade Centreand the attack on the Pe n t a g o nin the USA.

Please say in your letter howmuch you value the contribu-tion of Australian journalistswho often risk their lives bybeing on the scene and report -ing to us what is happening.

Ask that the money befound to keep them in the field.Remind him, they found themoney during another fundingcrisis in 1991 (Gulf War).

News and Current Affairsbudgets are already underattack. With the uncertainty ofthe current period, it is essen-tial that the money be foundfor ABC reporters to keep upthis vital work.

Candidates Web SitesThis is the web address whereyou can look up all the candi-dates standing for election toFederal Parliament 10thNovember 2001.

http://www.aec.gov.au/elec-tion2001/candidates/index.htm

REMEMBER THE ABC WHEN YOU VOTE

Do The Write Thing Please write to Kim Beazley Leader of

the Opposition c/ Parliament House,Canberra 2600. Tell him you want somecommitment to core funding for the ABC,independence from the government ofthe day and a commitment to find a bet-ter way to appoint the ABC Board. Fax: ACT- (02) 6277 8495

WA- (08) 9592 1361

Please write to John Howard PrimeMinister c/ Parliament House, Canberra2600 and tell him the ABC's core fundingneeds to be raised to 1995 levels at least,there should be a commitment to one offunding to provide programming for digitalbroadcasting and that there should be anend to government interference in therunning of the ABC. Fax: ACT - (02) 6273 4100

NSW - (02) 9816 1349

Gardening Australia Live

Between September 20thand 23rd Friends of the ABC(NSW) Inc ran a very success-ful stall at ‘Gardening Australia–Live’ held at Homebush areawhich houses part of theRoyal Easter Show. The eventbrought to ABC viewers, thepersonalities of GardeningAustralia who held classes,spoke to viewers andanswered thousands of gar-dening questions. PeterCundall was there the first day,at the front door, greetinghuge queues of enthusiasticgardeners, "welcome, wel-come, come in, have a won-derful time." It was a greatbeginning.

The exhibition covered sev-eral hectares and encom-passed tools, plants, pottingmixes, new and differentknick-knacks, with landscapedareas with different types ofterrain, including red earth withdesert flowers.

The Friends of the ABC stallwas a hive of activity for thefull four days. Volunteers ranthe stall which was organisedby Gary Cook, Vi c e - P re s i d e n tand Chair of the Events sub-committee. I offer a big ‘thankyou’ to Gary and the manyvolunteers at the stall, 10 amuntil 6 pm each day, cheerfullyexplaining our organisation tothe many visitors.

If was a great opportunity tomeet ABC devotees, whohave never had the chance tojoin the Friends. It was a terrifictime to talk about the ABC andits place in our world. How ithas been continually underattack for so long.

We gained close to 100new members and sold manyt-shirts. The ones createdspecifically for GardeningAustralia Live being most pop-ular. We definitely want toreturn next year.

Central Coast Friends

Central Coast Friends ofthe ABC is well and trulyrelaunched. Not only have themembers of the committeeseen their local memberstwice, but they held a publicmeeting, 6th October, to informlocal people about the ABCand what is happening to itand to see whether there wasenthusiasm for a public "Meetthe Candidates" event.

The Central Coast branch ofthe Friends decided to hold apublic meeting at CentralCoast Leagues Club 28thOctober, 2:00 pm, to "Meetthe Candidates".

Quentin Dempster and Ia d d re s sed a meeting of morethan 250 people at CentralCoast Leagues Club andreceived an enthusiasticreception.

The most heartening thingthat has happened this yearwith these meetings, is thequality of the questions we arenow receiving. The Share h o l d e r sof the ABC are far betterinformed than they used to be.

This is very gratifying as itmeans that the information weare so keen to give our mem-bers, and those fans whowould become members, isbeing understood and accept-ed and the viewers and listen-ers are coming forward to becounted.

A great many of the peopleattending our meetings arealready members, but, eachtime we join more and morepeople.

It is possible that you mayreceive this publication aftersome of the "Meet theCandidates" meetings havebeen held. I apologise for this,but time to get a pre-electionpublication printed and out toyou has been very tight.

Penelope Toltz

Recent Activities of Friends around New South Wales

Another ABC supporter joins the Friends at theGardening Australia Live Friends’ stall.

Blue Mountains FABCinvites you to a

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEONWrapps Cafe, Royal HotelMacquarie Rd, Springwood

NEW MEMBERS, COME ALONGAND MEET US!

Cost: $20.00RSVP and payment - 26 th Nov. to:

Ann Fox - Ph: 4758 609629 Valley Rd, Hazelbrook 2779

Please make cheques payable to:FABC Blue Mountains Branch

Neither the Coalition nor theLabor Party have been friendly tothe ABC. Both in the past have cuttens of millions from the ABC bud-get, and presided over a drasticreduction in ABC staff.

In thirteen years under Hawkeand Keating Labor reduced theABC budget by a little more thanthe Coalition did in five years.Labor did it bit by bit, small sliceseach year, amounting to a big sliceover thirteen years. Former ABCManaging Director, David Hill, calledit 'the death of a thousand cuts'.

The Coalition did it in one kinghit, $66 million dollars in one year,following their 1996 election victory,despite solemn promises to main-tain ABC funding. In this electionyear, recognising the communityconcern at their savage cuts, theyhave restored part of that funding.However this has been through anumber of special purpose grants,and the funding is not ongoing.Labor has promised to increaseABC funding, but at this point hasnot come up with a precise figure.

In two areas Labor has a betterrecord than the Coalition. Laborfunded the extension of RadioNational, Triple J and Classic FM toregional areas. This has given mostregional and rural listeners thesame choice of ABC radio stationsas city listeners. Labor funded theCox Peninsula transmitters forRadio Australia, greatly improvingRadio Australia's signal in Asia.The Coalition sold the transmittersto foreign interests, and crippledRadio Australia.

Both major parties, when inpower, have appointed sympathis-ers to the ABC board, to the pointwhen the board is widely perceivedto be politicised. Both major partieshave refused to commit themselvesto an open, transparent and non-partisan method of appointing theABC board, although the LaborParty has said that it will give theproposal more thought.

Labor legislated to permit adver-tising on the SBS, and in doing soincreased pressure for the ABC to

accept advertising. Labor legislatedto permit advertising on the ABC'sAsian television service in the 1990s.In reviving the ABC's Asian TV ser-vice this year, the Coalition said itexpected the service to be partlyfunded by advertising. Neither partycan therefore be said to support awholly commercial-free ABC.

The Democrats and the Greenshave never been in power, so it ismore difficult to judge their record.However in regard to their policiesthey are much more ABC friendlythan the two big parties.

The Democrats have promisedto restore ABC funding to a levelbefore the major cuts introduced byboth Labor and the Coalition. BothGreens and Democrats have com-mitted themselves to a non-partisanmethod of appointing the ABCboard. Both resolutely opposeadvertising or sponsorship on theABC.

Our friendliness ratings areas follows:

• Democrats and Greens: VeryABC friendly. We can find little tocriticise in their policy, or in theirpast record.

• Labor: Labor has a poor recordin most respects, and its futurepromises are vague at this stage.However its record in regard toRadio Australia, and with the exten-sion of ABC radio to regional areas,places it a clear step ahead of theCoalition.

• Coalition: The Coalition has avery poor record, and their attitudeto the ABC is generally hostile.While they have responded to pres-sure with some small increases inABC funding, these increases aretemporary and go nowhere nearmaking up for the massive cuts thatfollowed their election in 1996.

DARCE CASSIDY, PresidentFriends of the ABC SA

The Key Issuesfrom the letter sent to the majorpolitical parties:

• Will you restore the ABC’s basetriennial funding to at least its1995/96 level in real terms, plusadditional funding to permit theABC to fully participate in the digitalenvironment, including online ser-vices?

• will you legislate to change themethod of appointing the ABCboard to provide for an open, trans-parent and non-partisan processwhich ensures that directors areappointed on the basis of merit andstrong commitment to independentand comprehensive public broad-casting?

• will you legislate to extend theprohibition on advertising andsponsorship which now applies toABC radio and TV broadcasts to allABC services, including ABCOnline?

• will you ensure Radio Australiaaccess to transmission facilitieswhich will restore its audience reachprior to the closing of the CoxPeninsula transmitters; and will yourestore Radio Australia1s ability toprovide at least its 1995/96 level ofservice?

DARCE CASSIDY, PresidentFriends of the ABC SA

Which Parties are ABC Friendly?

The national FABC sub-mission to the SenateEnquiry into ABC BoardAppointments is availableat:darce@friendsof theabc.org.

REMEMBER THE ABC

WHEN YOU VOTE

Prior to the 1996 election the Coalitionpromised to maintain ABC funding. On electionnight, having won the election, Senator RichardAlston repeated the promise in a TV interview. Ittook only a couple of weeks for him to break it.

The coalition removed $66 million from theABC's ongoing funding base in 1996-7. THATFUNDING HAS NEVER BEEN RESTORED, ANDTHE ABC'S ONGOING FUNDING BASE HAS NOTIMPROVED SINCE THEN.

It is important to distinguish between the ABC'songoing funding base, and one-off grants for partic-ular purposes. Under the ABC's triennial fundingagreement with the government the ABC's fundingis adjusted each year for inflation by applying a pre-arranged formula. Since the $66 million wasremoved, the ABC's funding has never recovered.

However, there have been a one-off specialgrant to pay for digitisation, and a sum of money tocompensate the ABC for the privatisation of itstransmitters.

Friends of the ABC want the government tomaintain the ABC budget at least at its 1995-96level in real terms (i.e. adjusted for inflation), plusadditional funding to permit the ABC to participatefully in the digital and online environment. In 1996-7 the Coalition, in breach of its election promises,cut $66 million from the ABC funding base. Thatmoney has never been returned and those fundingcuts have crippled the ABC.

BUT HASN’T THE GOVERNMENT GIVEN THE ABC $71.2 MILLION DOLLARS FOR REGIONAL SERVICES?

In the budget the government announced aspecial grant to the ABC to improve its regional ser-vices. It is important to note that this is a specialgrant of $17.8 million a year for four years. Whilewelcome, it is not an addition to the funding base.At the end of the four years the ABC will either haveto abandon the new regional initiatives, or else takemoney from another area of the ABC to continuethem. This kind of stop/go funding is very disruptiveto ABC planning. It is important for ABC stability,and true ABC independence, that the ABC fundingbase is maintained, rather than force the ABC to gocap in hand to the government every now and t h e npleading for more funds for this venture or that.

There is no way that the grant of $17.8 millionfor four years makes up for the loss of $66 million

ongoing every year. The Friends of the ABC arealso concerned that this funding, in practical terms,is tied funding. The Friends of the ABC suggest it istied to the political agenda of the government of theday which sees as its priority in this election yearregional and rural Australia. The fact the funding isfor only four years confirms this is not a long-termcommitment to this audience or this part of theAustralian community.

All it does is address some of the impact of thebudget cuts which reduced the amount of localprogramming with an increase into state-based ornationally networked programming. While welcome,we need to campaign to ensure this money c o n t i n u e s .

Tied funding affects the independence of theABC and its programming. The Friends of the ABCalso question whether in fact the tied funding wouldhave been given to the ABC without the enormousoutcry from regional Australians and representationsto local members made by the friends and support-ers of the ABC right across the country.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUNDING FOR RADIO AUSTRALIA?

The $2.8 million for Radio Australia in this finan-cial year was, to quote Senator Alston's pressrelease "in addition to the triennial funding", that is,not part of the ongoing funding base and thereforefor one year only.

MONEY FOR DIGITISATION

The government decreed that all broadcastersmust broadcast TV in digital format. It was not theABC's decision, but a government demand. As aresult the ABC was given a one off grant to coverthe cost of conversion. This grant did not becomepart of the funding base, and was used purely forthe digital conversion.

FUNDING FOR TRANSMITTERS

The ABC has also received funding to leasetransmitters, after the government sold the ABCand SBS transmitters to private interests. It is mis-leading to suggest that this compensation for theloss of transmitters is an increase in ABC funding. Ithas simply permitted the ABC and the SBS to stayon the air after the loss of their transmitters.

Continued on Page 7

Authorised by Penelope Toltz 11-17 Buckingham Street Surry Hills.2010Printed by BEE Print Mail 1/5 Waltham Street,Artarmon 2064

What’s All the Fuss About Funding?

The ABC and the SBS have never owned theirradio and TV transmitters. In the past they wereowned and operated by the Broadcasting Divisionof Telecom (later Telstra) and provided free ofcharge to the ABC and the SBS. At a later pointownership was transferred to another governmentauthority, the National Transmitter Agency (NTA).The NTA owned the transmitters, and the NTA wasfunded to hire private companies to maintain andoperate the transmitters. This money went to theNTA, not the ABC. Later the transmitters weresold, and the NTA abolished. You will recall thatRadio Australia's transmitters in the NorthernTerritory were sold to a fundamentalist Christianbroadcaster.

In order to stay on the air, the ABC and theSBS now needed to lease the transmitters fromtheir new owners. Therefore the governmentadded to the ABC and SBS budgets the funds thatused to go to the NTA. This was not an increase inthe overall cost to the government of the ABC andthe SBS – it simply meant that money that used togo to the NTA for the benefit of the ABC and theSBS now went directly to the ABC and the SBS,who in turn used it to lease the transmitters thathad been sold.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUNDING FOR AUSTRALIA TELEVISION?

This year the ABC won a tender to supply aninternational television service, directed towards theAsia Pacific Region. This was effectively a commer-cial contract between the ABC and the Departmentof Foreign Affairs and Trade. Several companiestendered for the contract, and the ABC won. TheABC will receive approximately $90 million over fiveyears, to supply the service, with $18 million of thatto be received this year. The ABC will need to meetall its own costs from the contract, plus any moneythe ABC can get from other sources, includingadvertising (which will be permitted on this externalservice, but not on ABC domestic services). Onceagain, this funding is only for five years, is not partof the triennial funding and does not become partof the funding base.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SAYING

In addition to its triennial funding which wasmaintained in real terms (compared to 1999-2000,but not compared to 1995-6) in the 2000-1 Budgetand the additional $17.8 million (but not as part oftriennial funding, this expires after four years) peryear being provided in this year's Budget, the ABCwill also receive in 2001-2 (this year):

* $46.5 million for digital transmission, distribu-tion and equipment. (This is a one off grant, madenecessary by a government direction that all TVshould be broadcast in digital. It simply covers thecost of conversion from analogue to digital. None ofthis money is for programs, it is all for transmissionand equipment costs)

*A further $2.8 million to strengthen RadioAustralia services (a one-off grant) - building on thep revious additional funding of $2.5 million in 2000-01.

* a loan of $20 million for activities including theSydney accommodation project and digital equip-ment requirements (if the ABC had been fully fund-ed for conversion to digital, why does it also need aloan for digital equipment? These loans are nor-mally not free - interest is charged, but usually at aslightly lower rate than the commercial market.)

* a further loan of up to $21 million will be pro-vided to the ABC in 2002-3 to finance new officeaccommodation and studio facilities in Perth (onceagain, a loan to be repaid with interest).

* $18 million this year for an Asia Pacific TV ser-vice. This funding will continue at this rate for onlyfive years.

So in essence, these are all in addition to trien-nial funding i.e. not part of the triennial funding, andt h e re f o re either one off or short term grants, or loans.

"With this funding the ABC will receive a total of$763.3 million in 2001-02 - over three quarters of abillion dollars this year. This is in comparison withthe ABC's funding in 1995-6, which in today's dol-lars equated to $649.25 million."

WHAT THE FRIENDS OF THE ABC ARE SAYING

To directly compare the $763.3 with the$649.25, we need to deduct the following from the$763.3

Digital transmission grant $46.5Radio Australia 2.8Loan - accommodation and digital 20.0Regional initiatives 17.8Funds for transmitter operation 73.4

(paid to the National Transmitter Agency in 95-6, but to the ABC in 2001-2)

Asia Pacific TV service 18.0Total $178.5

Thus when the $178.5 in one off grants andloans is deducted from the total of $763.3, theABC's base funding in 2001-2 is $584.8, compared to the $649.25 allocated in 1995-6.

What’s All the Fuss About Funding?Continued from Page 6

Authorised by Penelope Toltz 11-17 Buckingham Street Surry Hills.2010Printed by BEE Print Mail 1/5 Waltham Street,Artarmon 2064

Coalition Government Policy

ABC funding will be maintained inline with inflation.

Will review digital TV anddatabasing rules in 2002.

Will drop cross-media and foreignownership restrictions on news-papers and television.

Coalition responses to theSenate inquiry into ABCboard appointments

Government Senators disagreedwith all 11 recommendations ofthe Chair of the Committee, SenLyn Allison, Australian Democrats.

Their position is summed up inthe statement: “Problems withthe board - no case to answer.”

The Coalition must be judged onits record.

Record of CoalitionGovernment on its steward-ship of the ABC

• Cut $66m from ABC budgetafter promising to maintain fund-ing over the life of the Parliament.There has been no restoration offunding to the triennial base fund-ing arrangement.

• Set up Mansfield Review to“narrow the focus” of the ABCand direct areas to be cut.

• Radio Australia funding wasreduced from $12.7m to $4.7m .

• Cox Peninsula transmitter

switched off, reducing RA’s signalto a whisper in S-E Asia. [Thetransmitter had been upgraded in1995 at a cost of $30m.]

• Sold Australia Television toChannel 7 for a fraction of itsvalue. Subsidised Channel 7 for 3years.

•Moved to change media-owner-ship rules to benefit Kerry Packerand Rupert Murdoch. Backeddown due partly to Coalitionbackbench opposition.

• Sold the National TransmissionAuthority.

• Made digitisation by the ABCobligatory but has refused to fundmore than half the cost. ABCobliged to take out more loans.

• Refused any funding for contenton digital channels.

• Sold Cox Peninsula transmis-sion equipment to ChristianVision. Leased site for 10 years.

• O n e - o ff grant of $9m over 3y e a r s for RA in 2000.

• Gives back to the ABC contractto provide Australia Television to S-E Asia. Grants $74m over 5years. Viability will depend onadvertising.

• One-off grant of $17.8m for 4years for regional services in 2001.

• Constant (unsubstantiated)attacks over bias.

• Repeated (successful) pressureto outsource.

• Political stacking of the ABCboard.Effects of the actions of the Coalition Government

• Loss of at least 1250 staff.

• Redundancy costs of $79mover 5 years.

• Loss of many programs in tele-vision and radio. Marked reduc-tion indrama and documentaries.

• Cuts to News and CurrentAffairs budgets in 1997 & 2001.

• More repeats on television andnetworking on radio.

• Unable to broadcast into Asianregion during period of great tur-moil in Indonesia and East Timor.

• Very little capacity left to pro d u c etelevision in-house apart fromNews and Current Affairs.

• Budgets for radio and televisioncut again in 2000-01 to providefunding for “New Media” andincreased management costs.

• Loss of Media Watch andQuantum. Shift to infotainmentprograms.

• Drive to “change the culture” ofthe ABC. Loss of many highlyrespected and dedicated staff.

Coalition Party

At the time of going to pressthe ALP had not launched its policyon the ABC. We do not knowtheir specific commitment onfunding nor whether they will befirmer and more specific on theirattitude to a more open proce-dure for ABC board appoint-ments.

We publish a summary of theanswers given to a questionnairesent by the Victorian FABC.

On Funding

Labor will provide additionalfunding to the ABC, the preciseamount to be announced prior tothe federal election. Labor is com-mitted to providing adequatefunding to the ABC, so that theABC can properly discharge itsresponsibilities as a genuinelyindependent and truly nationalpublic broadcaster.

On Funding Arrangements

Labor is committed to providingadequate funding of the ABCthrough the normal Budgetaryprocesses on at least a triennialbasis. Labor has previously statedits preparedness to consult withthe Australian community aboutwhether the ABC would benefitfrom its funding being provided ona quadrennial basis.

On Radio Australia

Labor will ensure that the ABCis adequately funded and hasaccess to the appropriate trans-mission capacity to ensure thecontinued services of RadioAustralia.

On Privatisation and Advertising

Labor has indicated that itopposes the privatisation of RadioTriple J, ABC On-line and ABCEnterprises. Labor has alreadyproposed amendments to theABC Act which would haveextended the ban on advertising

to the ABC’s online and datacast-ing services.

On the ABC Charter

Labor will not change the ABCCharter in any manner that isdetrimental to the ABC. On thecontrary, Labor proposes tostrengthen the ABC Act by ensur-ing that the ABC Act and Charterapply to the ABC’s datacastingand online services.

On User-pays services

Labor opposes the creation of atwo-tiered ABC - that is, withsome user-pay services - andsupports the right of all Australiansto access its broadcasting, data-casting and on-line services forfree.

Labor will ensure that the ABCis adequately funded to providebroadcasting, datacasting andon-line services and has accessto the necessary transmissioncapacity. Labor will also legislateto allow the ABC to engagein unrestricted multi-channelling.

On legislating for the Board tooperate with greater transparency

Labor has been at the forefrontin calling for greater transparencyin the operation of the ABCBoard. Labor has repeatedlycalled on the ABC Board to con-sult with the Australian peopleabout significant decisions and toprovide its reasons for them.

Labor has consistently heldABC Board accountable for itsdecisions through the appropriateforum of Senate Estimates. LaborSenators will continue to do sowhether in Government or inOpposition.

On Appointing The ABC Board

Labor is committed to maintain-ing the independence of the ABCthrough the appointment to the

Board of people of high standing,merit and demonstrated compe-tence who will faithfully dischargetheir public interest obligations tothe ABC. Labor will also ensurethat any appointments reflect thetruly national character of theABC.

Labor believes that consistentwith Westminster conventionsappointments to the Board, like allother statutory appointments, areappropriately a matter for theGovernment of the day.Nonetheless, Labor has been will-ing to examine ways to improvethe current appointment process.

Labor supported the recentInquiry into ABC BoardAppointments conducted by theSenate Environment,Communications, InformationTechnology and the ArtsCommittee. Evidence to theCommittee overwhelmingly con-cluded that a lack of transparencyin the appointments process isthe most significant factor inundermining the community1sperception about the indepen-dence of the current Board.

In their Committee report, LaborSenators suggested some waysin which this perception of lack ofindependence of the Board maybe overcome. These include:

• making the selection criteria for

Board appointments publiclyavailable; and

• advertising Board vacancies.

Labor is now considering theCommittee's recommendations inrespect of the ABC and will announceits final policy on this issue prior to theelection.

In the meantime, both Kim Beazleyand the Shadow Minister forCommunications, Stephen Smith, havesaid publicly that Labor is not averseto considering improving the criteriafor appointment to the ABC Board cur-rently included in the ABC Act.

Australian Labor Party

• believe 1995/96 FUNDING lev-els are inadequate and that fundingshould be restored to at least 1985levels. Triennial funding arrange-ments should continue and thereshould be no tied funding.

• the ABC BOARD should bedepoliticised. A Joint ParliamentaryCommittee should make appoint-ments to the Board.

• call for immediate and full restora-tion of funding to RADIO AUS-TRALIA and amendment to theBroadcasting Services Act torequire the leaser of the CoxPeninsula transmitters to carryRadio Australia services.

• want the ABC’s restored, regionalAUSTRALIA TELEVISION service tobe commercial-free and indepen-dent and retain a strong news andcurrent affairs component.

The Democrats also believe that

• the ABC should be funded appro-priately to enable it to provideaudiences with a diverse range ofprograms of cultural value andintellectual integrity.

• the ABC should be funded tomaintain a viable in-house produc-tion capacity to own and market itsown product, to provide industrytraining and to continue to provideaudiences with innovative program-ming.

• do not support the sacking orcasualisation of production,research, journalists, library orarchival staff.

• the ABC should have additionalfunding for conversion of all equip-ment and archives into digital for-mats.

• the ABC should remain commer-cial-free. Programs should be madeon the basis of merit, not on com-mercial gains, sales, ratings orbecause they have attracted spon-sorship or other third party funding.The ABC1s editorial independenceshould be upheld at all times.

• the ABC should continue to oper-ate without fear of governmentinterference in its daily operations.Management should remain mindfulof the ABC responsibilities to itsaudiences and its accountability toParliament.

The Australian Democratschaired the Inquiry into Methods ofappointment to the ABC Board.Here are the most significant rec-ommendations of the Chair’s Report.

The Chair recommends that:

1 the method of Board appoint-ments be altered to embrace a sys-tem characterised by the principlesof merit and transparency, in orderto deal with the widespread publicperception that appointments tothe ABC Board are made on the

basis of political affiliation ratherthan on merit alone.

3 appointees to the ABC Boardshould have a demonstrated com-mitment to the principles of publicbroadcasting.

5 formal selection criteria be devel-oped for positions on the ABCBoard and reflect criteria alreadyestablished under the ABC Act.The selection criteria should bedrafted by an independent agency,such as the Public Service MeritProtection Commission.

6 vacancies on the ABC Boardshould be advertised through thenationalpress, and through ABC services,including radio, television andonline.

8 all applicants, as part of their for-mal application, make clear theirpolitical affiliations.

9 an independent selection panelshort list applications, and forwarda list of at least two candidates tothe Minister, that the short list bepublic, and that the Minister shouldnot be obliged to select any of thecandidates recommended by theselection panel. However theMinister must not select a candi-date who has not first been scruti-nised by the independent selectionpanel.

Australian Democrats

“I am replying to the Friends ofthe ABC questionnaire on behalf ofall Australian Greens candidates,including Senator Brown.

“The Greens are completely sup-portive of the ABC and the need toensure it is well-resourced and inde-pendent, and able to offer a com-prehensive service.

THE ANSWER TO ALL FOUR OF YOUR QUESTIONS IS 'YES'.

“We do not have specific propos-als for how the Board should be

appointed, but both appointmentsand funding should be beyondpolitical interference.”

Response from: Margaret Blakers

“The ABC is time honoured, it isloved and it is wanted for what it is.In the past years of this govern-ment, the Australian people haveseen an accelerated dismantling ofthe intellectual capital, the faithfulservice and the wanted perfor-mance of the ABC. It is a processthat we have to stand up against.

It is time to stand with the peoplein the ABC who have given theirservice to this country against thesesecond-rate corporate people -some of whom are corporate fail-ures - now being injected into theABC to do a hatchet job for thisgovernment.”

SEN ATOR BOB BROWN Hansard 6 December 2000

Australian Greens

The Coalition will maintain existinglevels of Commonwealth funding tothe ABC.

The Coalition is strongly support-ive of Radio Australia’s existing services and will ensure they are notprejudiced or downgraded in any way.

Coalition policy document 1996

ABC ‘fair game for the chop under a Coalition government’

Pam Williams in The Victory, theaward-winning book on JohnHoward1s 1996 election campaign,wrote:

‘Federal Liberal Party leaders,including Mr Howard, sup-pressed policies they knewwould be unpopular - includingbig cuts to public sector pro-grams and the ABC's budget -before the election, to maximisetheir chances of winning.’

‘After a quick discussion, themeeting [which included Howard,Costello, Alston, Hill, the NationalParty's Fischer and Andersonand Andrew Robb, director ofthe campaign] decided to sparethe ABC from the knife for now.In 1993 a proposed $50 millionfunding cut had whipped theorganisation and its highly vocalsupporters into a frenzy. TheLiberals would have liked to cutits budget, for there was a gen-eral view that the ABC wasalways out to get the conserva-tives.’

‘But it was too dangerous toprovoke the broadcaster duringan election campaign when everyminute of good news counted.The ABC would be quarantineduntil its current funding ran out.After that it would be fair gamefor the chop under a Coalitiongovernment.’

In July 1996 Sen. Alstonannounced an immediate cut of 2%in the ABC budget - with a further10% to be cut in 1997-98, to bepreceded by a review to ascertainhow ABC activities could be ‘nar-rowed’ to accommodate the cuts.The consequent Mansfield Review

reported that all areas of domesticbroadcasting had received verystrong support and should bemaintained, and that necessarysavings could come from closingdown Radio Australia, sellingAustralia Television (the Asia Pacificservice), selling property and out-sourcing TV production. The cuts of12%, a total of $66m, would con-tinue over the triennium from May‘ 9 7 .

Senator Alston had a total strategyinvolving the cuts to ensure he gotthe influence and the results hewanted. He told the Cabinet:

‘As the Government has nopower to direct the ABC in theway in which it fulfils its functions,the Government could notimpose a management review.The ABC would need to agree tocommission such a review itself.

‘The position of ABC chairbecomes vacant on July 231996. The new chair could beasked to support a review includ-ing terms of reference agreed bythe Government and a short-listof suitably qualified consultants.

‘The review would recommendchanges to the ABC’s enablinglegislation. Because the ABC’smandate is very broad, the ABCcould continue to operate with anarrower, more clearly definedfocus under current legislationuntil there are opportunities toamend the ABC Act.’

Cabinet submission No. JH96/0260, 2/7/96,signed by Sen. Alston

The new chairman - DonaldMcDonald, a close friend of MrHoward - was appointed, the cutsof $66m were announced and theMansfield Review was set up.

Decline in ABC fundingunder Labor andCoalition governments

Since 1987 ABC funding hasbeen constantly eroded under thefunding formula imposed by theLabor governments of Hawke andKeating. This reduced the real

level of funding (as measured in1996/97 dollars) by $60 millionbetween 1987-88 and 1995-96.

The Coalition government madea cut of 12% to the ABC’s budget:$11m (2%) in 1996/97, and $55m(10%) in 1997/98.

Compared with 1985/86, thepeak year for ABC funding, the realdecline in ABC appropriations to1995/96 was 25.3%.

In fact, the economies imposedon the ABC have been even greaterthan the figures suggest. In thoseyears the ABC extended the num-ber, reach and transmission hoursof its broadcasting services. It hadalready done substantially morewith much less funding.

With the cut in ABC appropria-tions of $66m under the Coalitiongovernment, this represents adecline of a massive 31.2% in realterms from 1985-86.

DR ALLAN BROWN Griffith University QLD Australian Financial Review 29/8/96

Promises, promises

“Traditionally, ministers responsi-ble for the ABC have done theirbest to uphold the broadcasters’independence, but Richard Alstonis a notable exception,” wrote KenInglis in February 2000.

The most egregious example inthe early years of the Howard gov-ernment was a letter from SenatorAlston to Brian Johns demanding adetailed explanation of bias inreporting the waterfront dispute. Tobypass the board and berate theManaging Director in this way wasvirtually unprecedented. (And, more -over, an independent study showedthat speakers on the governmentside of the dispute on television andradio had outnumbered those onthe union side.)

However, this attempt at batter-ing the ABC into submission wasinsignificant compared with a letterin late December 1999 to BoardChairman Donald McDonald. KenInglis continues:

“That letter, as I noted, was notthe first case of Alston’s breachingthe tradition that a minister commu-nicates with the ABC through thechair and the board. More generally,I suggested, Alston was the firstminister to behave as if the ABC isa government department, not astatutory authority charged withresponsibility for conducting, withinlimits set out in legislation, its ownaffairs.”

The minister’s intrusions havebecome more numerous and moreflagrant. The Australian’s ErrolSimper, the one journalist with astanding brief to write coherentlyabout the ABC, has been keeping atally of them. Last July, he countedsix public attacks over previousweeks to which neither the chair,Donald McDonald, nor the manag-ing director, Brian Johns, hadresponded.

"Two things are wrong here,"Simper wrote. “Alston is regularlyoverstepping his ministerial respon-sibilities. And the broadcaster'supper echelons may not recognisewhere their territory begins. Wild, ill-informed, unanswered attacks on

the fragile broadcaster are con-temptuous of its role, destructive ofstaff morale, a threat to its indepen-dence.”

The century ended with the moststinging intrusion of all, on 23December l999, which we knowabout thanks to Simper andwhichever mole in the ABC (theyproliferate in hard times) gave him amonth later the minister's remark-able letter.

"Dear Mr McDonald," it began, "Iam writing following our meeting of20 December 1999 to addresssome of the issues which requirefurther attention with respect to thecurrent triennial funding process."

He attached a draft agreement inwhich these issues were specified.They make a breathtaking list.

The ABC’s corporate plan andannual report need to include“...more - performance indicatorswhich use quantifiable targetswherever possible.” These are toinclude 'targets for achieving appro-priate ratings'. There is to be anannual meeting between the minis-ter and the board to review pro g re s sand consider directions, an annualstatement of commitment to audi-ences which details program priori-ties (examples follow), rolling re v i e w sof all program genres. Independentexperts are to be involved in thesereviews. Moreover, an editorial poli-cies unit, independent of programmakers, with direct access to theboard, will monitor and review edi-torial policy. This device is to “ensurespeedy, high-level responses toalleged breaches of editorial policiesand guidelines”.

Here and elsewhere, the ministerexpresses a menacing lack of confi-dence in the ABC’s own proce-dures. He also prescribes programpolicy more specifically than everbefore. More television productionis to be outsourced. A nightly state-based current affairs programshould be restored [the 7.30Report, had gone national in 1995in order to save money]. Simperdescribed the letter as "uncomfort-ably close to blackmail". The board,

he suggested, should tell the minis-ter to put his proposals in a recy-cling bin. But would it, when somany of its members were by nowcoalition appointees? And could itafford to?

KEN INGLIS Is the author of “This is the ABC”. Quotations are from an article in the Walkley Magazine in February 2000.

During the time of Brian Johns’managing directorship the Ministerfor Communications, SenatorAlston, continually interfered in theaffairs of the ABC.

With the appointment of amajority of the board by theHoward government and theboard’s appointment of JonathanShier, this overt interferenceceased.

To understand the “...reform ofthe ABC” in the absence of acoherent vision statement fromMr Shier or the board, we needonly refer to Senator Alston’smost explicit and helpful letter ofDecember ‘99.

ABC Comments LineThe ABC has a Corporate

Affairs Comment line. You canleave a message on their tapeabout the ABC or your feelingsabout news and current affairsor Jonathan Shier. Simply ring9333 1500 and ask to be putthrough to the ABC CommentsLine. Please do this, it's one ofthe ways the ABC can knowwhat we the shareholders arethinking.

Report on the Communications Minister’s stewardship of the ABC

Page12

“Jonathan Shier's position asABC managing director hangs inthe balance after he was told bychairman Donald McDonald that heno longer had the support of mostof the board or his own executives.

“Senior ABC sources said lastnight that Mr McDonald cited anumber of incidents of erraticbehaviour and Mr Shier's style ofmanagement as not acceptable fora chief executive officer of theABC.”

The Australian 16/10

When you read this, the subjectof Mr Shier and his possible depar-ture from the ABC may have beenresolved. As we go to press we stillawait the outcome of the ABCboard meeting on 31 Octoberwhich should decide the issue.

A report in The Australian of 19October says it all. In one article arejuxtaposed these comments:

That “...the understanding of thepaper is that despite political pres-sure ABC Chairman DonaldMcDonald and the majority of theboard still plan to remove Mr Shierbecause he has lost their confi-dence and that of most of his exec-utive”.

‘ABC sources said the broad-caster's annual report, which is yetto be tabled in Parliament, willreveal that a sum of about$600,000 has been paid in the lastfinancial year to Mr Shier in salaryand other expenses. This is morethan double his base salary, whichis close to $270,000.’ It includesthe $20,000 performance bonusgranted by the board two monthsago.

That the managing director costthe ABC more than $600,000 last

financial year, about $300,000a b o v e his salary package. And thatTreasurer Peter Costello...hasjoined the Prime Minister andCommunications Minister RichardAlston in saying he had done agood job in the past 18 months.”

“The move against Mr Shiercame before the revelation lastweek in The Australian that a youngfemale employee of the ABC hadlodged a sexual harassment claimagainst Mr Shier at the HumanRights & Equal OpportunityCommission.”

We applaud Mr McDonald fortaking this step against what mustbe g reat pre s s u re from theG o v e rn m e n t .

A number of IncidentsThe move against Mr Shier was

a reaction to a number of troublingincidents. These included the abu-sive treatment of Gail Jarvis, theformer director of televisionappointed by Shier; a public attackon a 4 Corners producer whom hecalled “a stupid Pom”; a sexualharassment claim by a youngfemale employee; and a ferociousverbal attack on head of news andcurrent affairs Max Uechtritz.

“Mr McDonald's move againstMr Shier was galvanised by the fall-out from an explosive meeting lastmonth at which five executives wit-nessed a lengthy fight between MrShier and news and current affairsdirector Max Uechtritz.

“Mr Shier and Mr Uechtritzargued over the ABC's coverage ofthe September 11 terrorist attacks,which Mr Shier had not seenbecause he was overseas. Amongother things, Mr Shier was angry

the Nine network had out-rated theABC. Several present say they were"sickened and distressed" by theferocity of the attack.

“After consulting board mem-bers, Mr McDonald met Mr Shier.The managing director was told hisabusive treatment of ABC man-agers and staff, including formerdirector of television Gail Jarvis,who quit 10 months after beingappointed by Mr Shier, were ofgrave concern to the board.

“The board has had growingreservations about Mr Shier as inci-dent upon incident piled up, in par-ticular his widely reported publicattack on a Four Corners producerin August.

The Australian 16/10/01

The political nexusThe Coalition has never hidden

its appreciation for Shier, a formerLiberal staffer who is widely regard-ed as a political appointment. Backin the May Budget, the Governmentrewarded Shier with what amount-ed to a tied grant - extra money forregional programming. Three monthslater, a remarkable series of ads fornew rural jobs at the ABCappeared in the national press.

They read like a press releasefrom Howard’s office: “Additionalfunding made available to the ABCin the federal Budget ... is greatnews for the country.”

The Australian 20/10 /01

In other words: ABC funding forregional services, granted for a limit-e d time outside the triennialarrangement, not only bolsters MrShier’s position but also plays auseful part in the Government’selection campaign in the regions.

Does Shier’s job hang in the balance?

The Prime Minister said ofMr Shier that: “My experienceis that he is doing a good job.”

Treasurer Peter Costellosaid of Mr Shier on Radio3AW: “I think he's done agood job and I think hedeserves support, yes, and I

hope he's going to stay.”“Communications Minister

Richard Alston continued tosupport Mr Shier, attributingthe chaos to a difficult reformprocess. “You get a lot ofinternal resistance, there isresistance at every stage, andI can understand the chal-

lenges facing Mr Shier, and Ithink he has embarked upon areform agenda which is veryimportant for the long termfuture of one of Australia’sgreat cultural institutions.”

The Australian, 17/10/01

What His ‘Mates’ Said About Mr Shier

“The commotion buildingaround the managing director ofthe ABC, Jonathan Shier, calls forresponses transcending politics.In the wake of the strong andcredible indications this week thatthe board that appointed Mr Shierhas lost confidence in him, therehas been a confusion of asser-tions and denials. There is also atelling silence. Mr Shier hasreceived expressions of support -though not always fervent anddirect - from figures in theGovernment, including the PrimeMinister, John Howard, theTreasurer, Peter Costello, and theMinister for Communications,Richard Alston. But the board,including the chairman, DonaldMcDonald, has been all but silent.

In normal circumstances in anormal corporation such loss ofboard support would mean theend for a managing director socast adrift. But the ABC has neverbeen a normal corporation, noteven since its corporatisation in1983. The instinctive response, tolook to the board to take respon-sibility and resolve doubts over Mr

Shier’s position, is inadequate.Previous managing directors,when they have lost the confi-dence of the board, have gonemore or less quietly. Mr Shiershows no sign of that. And, evenif the board is determined heshould go it has no simple powerto force him. And he, it appears,seems inclined to resist departingfor as long as possible.

Mr Shier was appointed tooversee much-needed organisa-tional changes in the ABC. In a lit-tle less less than two years he hascertainly shaken the organisationup, but hardly with the resultshoped for when he was appoint-ed. Even among new executiveshand-picked by Mr Shier, there isdiscontent. Some, brought in toremake the ABC, have alreadyresigned. Despite Mr Shier’s confi-dent assertions of executive sup-port, it is apparent that he lacksnot only the unqualified support ofthe board but also of many of hisown executives. The situationcannot be allowed to continue. Itwill do nothing to further the laud-able and necessary aim of reform-

ing the ABC but is more likely toput it into further decline andthreaten its relevance altogether .

Just how Mr Shier’s personalsaga now plays out is not clear.But its lessons are. There must bea complete change in attitude bythe political parties to publicbroadcasting. The Labor Party isno less inclined than the LiberalParty to regard appointments tothe ABC board as prizes of office.Governments will always berequired to make appointments tothe board. But there is a deepneed for the political parties toreach back to the conventionobserved in the early days of pub-lic broadcasting in Britain andAustralia of making appointmentson merit and in consultation. Thefirst concern must be the long-term health of a professionallystrong, impartial national broad-caster.”

Alan RevellSMH Weekend Edition20-21/10/01

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IMAGINE AUSTRALIA WITHOUT

YOUR ABC!!!• IN TROUBLED TIMES - who provides independent information?• IN TROUBLED TIMES - who makes independent analysis? • IN TROUBLED TIMES - who gives you independent viewpoints?

• ALL THE TIME - who covers rural affairs, education, art, music, law,business, politics, social issues, literature … ?

YOUR ABC - that’s who!YOUR ABC brings us information EVERY DAY

YOUR ABC helps us understand the world better EVERY DAY

RING YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATES AND ASK THEM• will you call for restoration of untied core funding to the ABC?• will you call for an independent ABC Board?• will you call for an end to government and editorial

interference in your ABC?

NOW - IMAGINE YOUR WORLD WITHOUTYOUR ABC!!

PHONE YOUR CANDIDATES TODAY!

Authorised by Penelope Toltz 11-17 Buckingham Street Surry Hills.2010Printed by BEE Print Mail 1/5 Waltham Street, Artarmon 2064

update november 2001

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