CPSU to rally to support for ABC jobs

The Community and Public Sector Union will hold a rally tomorrow (Wednesday) to demand the ABC awaits the findings of a Senate inquiry before proceeding with plans to shut down TV production in Tasmania.

A Senate inquiry into regional TV production begins next year.

The ABC announced in late November that it intended to shut down the TV production unit in Tasmania, with a loss of 16 jobs.

During his meeting with ABC executives on Wednesday in Hobart, CPSU Regional Secretary Paul Blake will highlight the impact that the cuts will have on the wider Tasmanian economy and the island’s culture.

“The ABC seems intent on blindly pressing ahead with these cuts despite the fact that the first hearing of the Senate inquiry is just some weeks away. There is a lot at stake here and the ABC needs to hold off on proceeding any further before the outcome of the Senate inquiry is known.”

“We are calling on the people of Tasmania to make it clear to the ABC exactly what the island stands to lose were it to proceed with the closure of the TV production unit. Namely, a loss of a Tasmanian voice in ABC programming, a risk to the coverage of live sporting and cultural events, a loss of career paths for young Tasmanians wanting to get into the media and financial pressure on the local production industry that is so reliant upon the ABC for work.”

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the rally and to put in their submissions to the Senate Inquiry.

The rally will be held outside the ABC Building by the Roundabout on Liverpool Street Hobart at 12.30pm

• GREENS FIGHT AGAINST LOCAL ABC CUTS

Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens Arts & Culture Spokesperson
Wednesday, 12 December 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today continued to throw their support behind the campaign against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s decision to close the Hobart television production unit.

Following today’s rally at the ABC in Hobart, Greens Arts & Culture spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today reaffirmed the Greens’ strong support for ABC local production and the campaign being organised by the Community and Public Sector Union.

“This move to cut local television production is extremely short sighted and will diminish the quality and depth of local storytelling,” Ms O’Connor said.

“This decision was handed down from on high by ABC management in Sydney, and pre-empts the Senate inquiry into regional television production which is just about to start.”

“The ABC has an obligation under its charter to support regional storytelling, and to promote the diversity and breadth of our national culture.”

“The Greens are also concerned about the impact of these changes on local creative industries, as the skilled freelance producers and camera operators who rely on casual work from the ABC head interstate.”

“We raised this as a matter of public importance in the State Parliament back in April this year warning of these concerns.”

“We are now calling on the ABC to reverse this irresponsible decision, and for all Tasmanians who love and cherish the ABC to stand up and join the fight against these cuts.”