The Rudd Government yesterday introduced a Bill that will see applications for ABC and SBS Board appointments open to every Australian, and advertised in the national press.
It will also reinstate the position of a staff-elected director to the ABC Board, after it was axed by the Howard Government.
“The Rudd Government has made a strong commitment to ensure the future strength and independence of our national broadcasters,” Communications Minister Senator Conroy said.
“This new Board appointments scheme and the reinstatement of the ABC staff-elected director demonstrate our resolve to remove political interference and to ensure the independence of the ABC and SBS boards.”
Board candidates will be considered and short-listed by an independent Nomination Panel.
Senator Conroy added: “For the four recent appointments, the new process delivered an outstanding field of over three hundred applicants from across the community.
“The new selection scheme will ensure that all future appointments to the ABC and SBS Boards are conducted in a manner that fosters independence, transparency, accountability and public confidence.”
Source: dbcde.gov.au
