COMMITTEES
Senator GROGAN (South Australia—Deputy Government Whip in the Senate) (19:24): We are not supporting this inquiry. We've seen four years, in my time, of ideological attacks against the ABC. In that time, I've seen so many of those opposite who seek to bring down the ABC and seek to insult the ABC.
But today, upstairs, there's the ABC showcase. I wonder how many of those opposite have gone up there and taken advantage of the hospitality, taken a little tote bag with little goodies in it and had a great time engaging in all the great things that the ABC offers us and provides to the Australian people, before coming in here and playing an ideological game.
The kind of kneejerk attacks that I've seen—I spent three years chairing the estimates session that covers the ABC and watched that session grow to up to three hours of questioning at a time for the ABC. They should be accountable, open to questioning and open to having the people in this chamber making sure that what they are doing is appropriate and in line with what we expect.
We've seen attack after attack proven to not be correct. There are occasions, of course, when complaints are made and they are upheld, and at every point the ABC is open and transparent about those things. There is a complaints process for a reason.
The ABC is a highly trusted source of news. They bring not only a balanced news service—which I know many of those opposite don't like because balanced news is maybe not their vibe, and they're much happier on 'Sky after dark'—but also amazing current affairs and documentaries about spectacular things in this country—critical things that people in this country want to hear about.
They also bring us some of the most amazing drama across the world. They bring us fantastic children's content. This is where Bluey came from.
Many of us in this chamber have had our photos taken hugging Bluey. Bluey has gone on to great things. Senator Marielle Smith: Who doesn't love Bluey?
Senator GROGAN: Exactly—who doesn't love Bluey? But there's a line here. There's a balance here.
Of course there are going to be complaints against any news service, and of course we need to hold them to account. But we see these ideological attacks, championed by Senator Henderson, who used to work there. I'm not sure if that ended well or badly, but it looks to me like it might have ended badly given the vitriol that I've seen over and over and over again from Senator Henderson towards our friends at the ABC.
That's all I have to say. I'll allow you time to put the vote before we go to adjournment. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Sharma ): Senator Henderson, you have a point of order?
Senator Henderson: Yes. The reflection on me is an imputation in breach of the standing orders. Senator Grogan: I withdraw, Senator Henderson.
Senator Henderson: That's quite untrue, Senator Grogan. I had a wonderful nine years at the ABC— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, it's not a debating point. Are you seeking withdrawal?
Senator Henderson: I'd like the record to stand as I've just said it. Senator Gallagher: Sit down! Senator Henderson: Don't speak to me like that, Senator Gallagher.
This is a matter for the— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, please take your seat. Senator Grogan, I understand you withdrew. Senator Grogan: I'm happy to withdraw twice.
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Grogan. You have the call. Senator Grogan: I'm done, thank you very much, Acting Deputy President.
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: There being no other speakers, the question is that the motion moved by Senator Henderson be agreed to. A division having been called and it now being the time for the Senate to commence adjournment, that division will be deferred.