That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 October 2011:
The decision by the television management of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to significantly cut the number and amount of ABC-produced programs, jobs (including through forced redundancies) and potentially affect resources, as announced on 2 August 2011, with particular reference to:
(a) the implications of this decision on the ABC's ability to create, produce and own its television content, particularly in the capital cities of Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart;
(b) the implications of this decision on Australian film and television production in general and potential impact on quality and diversity of programs;
(c) whether a reduction in ABC-produced programs is contrary to the aims of the National Regional Program Initiative;
(d) the implications of these cuts on content ownership and intellectual property;
(e) the impact of the ABC's decision to end internal production of Bananas in Pyjamas and to outsource the making of a ‘Bananas in Pyjamas' animation series to Southern Star Endemol Proprietary Limited; and
(f) the future potential implications of these cuts on ABC television's capacity to broadcast state league football and rugby; and
(g) any other related matters.
For further information, contact: Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia