CPSU Delegates to rally in support of Tasmanian jobs

Two weeks ago the Managing Director of the ABC, announced the closure of the Tasmanian ABC Production Unit. This would result in the loss of 16 highly skilled jobs as well as a loss of our Tasmanian voice, careers for our children and a blow for the developing Arts industry in Tasmania.

The CPSU is consulting with ABC management on Tuesday morning.

This centralisation of jobs is what the Australian Public Service (APS) has been experiencing- having lost over 500 Tasmanian jobs since 2008. Latest figures from the Australian Public Service Commission show that 126 permanent APS jobs were lost from Tasmania last financial year, while nationally the APS slightly grew in staff.

The CPSU is meeting with ABC management on Tuesday morning. ABC and APS union delegates will be rallying at lunchtime in support of Tasmanian jobs.

Paul Blake, CPSU Regional Secretary for Tasmania, said “This is about sending a strong message to ABC and APS management that Tasmanians need these quality jobs”.

“With the announcement last week of a Senate Inquiry into ABC Regional Production it is appropriate that any decision on the Tasmanian ABC Production unit is postponed until the inquiry is finalised”, he said.

Date: Tuesday 4th December at 12.30pm sharp
Where: St Davids Park
(Near the corner of Davey and Harrington Sts)

• Andrew Wilkie: Support for ABC and Tassie jobs rally

Regrettably I cannot attend the ABC rally today because I had already committed to an event in support of people with disabilities.

But I want it known that the ABC staff have my full support.

The now ambiguous decision by ABC Managing Director Mark Scott to shut down the Hobart internal TV production unit was clearly ill-considered and inconsistent with the broadcaster’s charter.

On a number of occasions I have lobbied Mr Scott for this capability to be maintained and am pleased to see at least some chance of the cuts not going ahead.