Additional comments by Senator Bob Brown, Australian Greens

Inquiry into ABC Board Appointments

The politicisation of the ABC, whichever party is in government, is paralleled by the polyglot of dissenting reports here.

While I support the Chair’s recommendation, because it is a real advance on the status quo, the British option of an independent board, seen to be at arm’s length from political appointment or influence, is better still.

The recommendation, under the Chair’s option, that ultimate responsibility for appointments reside with the minister, and that there be advertising for board positions before the Committee reaches its selection, are important.

In summary I recommend:

• The British model, involving an Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments, be used to appoint ABC board members.
• The Chair of the board should be elected by the board.
• There should be two staff of the ABC on the board, elected by preferential (Hare-Clarke) voting.
• The guidelines or criteria for selection of board members should be drawn up in consultation with the board.
• The failure of the current board to offer any submission or advice to this inquiry is unacceptable and, of itself, points to the need for change.

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Bob Brown

Greens Senator

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