Submissions now open for ABC Regional Production Inquiry

Senator Catryna Bilyk today announced that the inquiry into ABC production in regional Australia is now calling for submissions

“I know that many Tasmanians will want to have a say about ABC production in regional Australia, particularly in relation to ABC production in Tasmania,” said Senator Bilyk.

“Many people are concerned about the recent announcement by the Managing Director of the ABC, Mr Mark Scott, regarding his intention to close the ABC Production Unit in Tasmania. They are also concerned about the ABC’s wider commitment to production in regional Australia.”

The proposed closure of the ABC Production Unit is expected to have a wider impact on the Tasmanian Film and Television sector beyond just the ABC.

“The Committee would particularly like to hear evidence about how centralisation of television production in Sydney and Melbourne has affected the ABC’s ability to reflect national identity and diversity,” said Senator Bilyk.

“The Committee would also like to hear from those in the wider Film and Television sector about the impact increased centralisation has had on their own ability to produce television content, and how the recent announcement is expected to impact on their continued ability to produce television content.”

“We are also seeking to understand just how committed the ABC is to reflecting and representing regional diversity in Australia,” said Senator Bilyk.

More information on the Senate Inquiry is available from www.aph.gov.au/senate_ec. Submissions can be made via the webpage, or by email in Word or PDF format to ec.sen@aph.gov.au or post to PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600.

The closing date for submissions is 18 January 2013.

Terms of Reference

That the following matter be referred to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report:
a) The Australian Broadcasting Commission’s commitment to reflecting and representing regional diversity in Australia;
b) The impact that the increased centralisation of television production in Sydney and Melbourne has had on the ABC’s ability to reflect national identity and diversity;
c) Any related matters.
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety