Reith for ABC? No thanks say CPSU

Date: 26 November 2002

The ABC staff union has come out strongly against reports that ex-Liberal Minister Peter Reith is being considered for vacancy on the ABC Board.

According to the CPSU's Graeme Thomson, the Government would be hard pressed to find "a less suitable candidate."

"While there has been a history of government's using the ABC Board as a dumping ground for political hacks, this latest move sets a new standard," said Thomson.

"People expect the ABC and its Board to be credible and reliable. As a result of the controversy surrounding the waterside dispute, the Telecard affair and 'a certain maritime incident', most Australians would agree that Mr Reith's credibility has seen better days," said Thomson. "Not to mention the fact that he has no experience in public broadcasting."

The CPSU believes replacing Michael Kroger with another partisan appointment like Reith can only damage public respect for the national broadcaster.

"We are calling again on the Government to make Board appointments according to the 'Nolan Rules', as used at the BBC. These require positions to be advertised and applications to be scrutinised by an independent body," added Thomson.

A copy of the CPSU's submission on appointments to the ABC Board can be found at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/ecita_ctte/abcboard/Sub%20363.pdf

Comment:
Graeme Thomson: ABC Section Secretary CPSU
phone 02 82046927
mobile 0419 281 702

CPSU media officer Dermot Browne 0408 265 081

For further information

Contact:	Graeme Thomson: ABC Section Secretary CPSU
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0419 281 702

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