Speech - Address at ABC Parliamentary Showcase 2024

[Check against delivery]

Good evening everyone, it is wonderful to be back for this highlight of our Spring sitting calendar. 

Thank you, Chair, for your introduction, at what is your first ABC Parliamentary Showcase in your esteemed role.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners, the Ngunnawal people, and those with connection to the lands of the ACT. I pay respect to Elders, past and present and First Nations people joining us.

The ABC is an important voice for First Nations Australians, indeed an important voice for all Australians.

The name Canberra comes from the Ngunnawal language meaning ‘meeting place’.

Chair, you have spoken of the ABC in similar terms, describing the national broadcaster’s role as the being the “campfire of Australia” in a digital age.

Just like the Parliament, the ABC must strive to represent, and reach, all Australians across our vast continent – and ensure a diversity of voices is heard.

And, just like Parliament, let’s be honest: the ABC has had some fires of its own to attend to this year.

Despite the smoke, millions of Australians welcome the ABC into their homes, their cars, and the palm of their hands every day. 

And into classrooms, with episodes of Behind the News. You may not be aware, but I actually played a recent role on BTN, much to the delight of my 8-year-old, Aurelia, where I called out her and her friends.

But, let me welcome the most important people and dog sisters to the building.

And the newest talent to join Spicks and Specks, a Mr Anthony Albanese. 

Not to mention our Speaker, Milton Dick, and his starring role in Total Control.

As for Utopia, well, we all know it’s a documentary.

Now, there has been rampant speculation about who will be the next ABC Managing Director.

Of course, the choice of MD is a matter for the ABC Board. 

I’m not saying that Bluey or Bingo would be the appropriate choice, but I do know they’ve worked their way from the ground up, as David Anderson did.

Thank you, David.

Every day, school children visit Parliament on the right of passage which is the Canberra school excursion.

When I meet school children visiting from my own electorate, they’re amazed to learn my job is Minister for Bluey. 

For a marginal seat holder, I reckon that’s worth a few per cent. And I confess, I pull it out whenever I can.

The ABC has operational and editorial independence, funded by taxpayers to fulfil its charter obligations.

And properly funded by Labor, with stable, five-year funding terms.

We welcome the ABC’s investments in local content, educational services, and emergency broadcasting.

And with stable funding established, the new ABC Chair has wasted no time advocating passionately for increased funding. 

The ABC remains one of Australia’s most trusted news sources. And it is the home of Australian stories. 

The ABC’s move to Parramatta in western Sydney means the ABC is now part of Australia’s fastest-growing and diverse communities.

Further abroad, you are reaching our neighbours in our region, including with the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy. 

This year, the ABC unveiled an updated look, feel and experience for the public, which generated debate over a critical issue: its new font.

There’s also a new sound with the return of the much-loved ABC news theme composed by Peter Wall.  But it’s not just the look and feel; it’s the substance. 

The ABC plays a critical role in our democracy.

As our friends in Canada are finding out, democracy is under threat from the withdrawal of news by Meta. 

We want a vibrant and diverse news industry where publishers are properly compensated for the content they produce. 

The ABC provides important, informative and innovative coverage of elections, locally and abroad.

Thank you, Antony Green, and heir apparent Casey Briggs - the touch screen you navigate on election night brings democracy to life, and as a marginal seat holder, it would be far more dignified to go out on your screen than by an animated boot kick, shredder or toilet flush. 

At the end of the day, while Governments, theme songs and Tony Armstrong(s) come and go, the ABC remains a mainstay of Australian life.

Thank you and enjoy your evening.