LABOR BIAS CLAIMS SUPPORT NEED FOR MONITORING

4 June 2004
72/04

Labor needs to make up its mind about ABC bias.

Opposition communications spokesman Lindsay Tanner yesterday accused ABC regional radio of bias against Labor candidates for the Federal election.

He said that Labor had lodged an official complaint with the ABC about this treatment saying "The ABC must be seen to be beyond reproach in regards to its coverage of national politics".

The Howard Government agrees. This is why we have welcomed the ABC's moves to establish an effective, independent monitoring system and are working with the ABC to improve its complaints handling system.

In light of Mr Tanner's claims, I expect Labor to announce shortly that it has changed its policy and now supports independent monitoring of ABC broadcasts.

Either that or admit to self-serving hypocrisy.

Labor has fought the Government's efforts to ensure balanced reporting by the ABC every step of the way.

On May 18, Mr Tanner issued a media release accusing the Government of trying to "nobble" the ABC after the ABC Board made its own decision to set up a system to monitor against political bias.

Well you can't have it both ways Mr Tanner.

You can't complain of ABC bias in one breath and argue that there's no need for bias monitoring in another.

Once again, Labor has been exposed as having no idea what it thinks and a complete inability to demonstrate consistent policy.


Media Contact: Carina Tan-Van Baren (02) 6277 7480 or 0439 425 373