Australian Government Rejects Proposal to Replace ABC and SBS Ombudsmen
The Australian Labor government has officially declined a recommendation to dismantle the internal ombudsmen of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). The proposal, put forward by the government’s own antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, suggested that the existing internal oversight mechanisms be replaced by an external, independent body. This recommendation was part of a broader set of updated priorities released by Segal last month, aimed at addressing concerns regarding the coverage of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In her report, Segal argued that an external independent ombudsman would be better positioned to monitor the public broadcasters’ reporting and ensure they remain ‘held accountable to their own stated standards of accuracy and impartiality.’ The suggestion emerged amid heightened scrutiny of how publicly funded media outlets handle sensitive geopolitical issues, with critics often calling for more rigorous oversight of editorial decisions.
However, government sources have signaled that the Albanese administration sees no need for such a radical restructuring. Officials noted that Australia already possesses a robust media regulatory framework, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which is tasked with overseeing broadcasting standards across the industry. By maintaining the current internal ombudsman system, the government is effectively signaling its preference for existing institutional structures over creating new layers of external bureaucracy.
While the government has acknowledged the importance of the envoy’s work in addressing antisemitism, it remains committed to the principle of editorial independence for the ABC and SBS. The decision to reject the proposal reflects a broader reluctance to intervene in the internal governance of public broadcasters, even when faced with pressure regarding controversial coverage. For now, the internal review processes at the ABC and SBS will continue to serve as the primary mechanism for handling complaints from the public, maintaining the status quo despite the recent calls for reform.
Sources: The Guardian World