The Friends of the ABC started up about thirty years ago in reaction to an observed need for a support group for the national broadcaster, specifically the attacks on the ABC by the then newly-elected Fraser Government.
The Friends of the ABC now have branches in every state and territory, and in some of the larger states, there are sub-branches in regional areas. There are thousands of Friends scattered around the country, and of course they all have friends.
Friends come from all walks of life: there are high school and university students, retired people, housewives, truck-drivers, professors, cabinetmakers, cooks, shop assistants, accountants, writers, tax collectors, tree surgeons, lawyers, nannies, pilots, house painters and many other people, united by their concern about the health and welfare of the ABC.
The Friends' main work is to keep people informed about what's happening with the ABC in troubled times such as the Jonathan Shier period when a new Managing Director brought some new and rather startling methods of operation to the ABC, or now, when ABC management appears increasingly will to embrace the Howard Government's ideological positions. Like all true friends, the Friends of the ABC are not one-eyed about the object of our affections. When good things happen at the ABC, we're delighted to say so; but when bad decisions are made we aren't shy about speaking out against them.
The Friends write letters, call talk-back radio, send emails and hold public meetings for the purpose of making our concerns and opinions known to the public, the ABC Board and the Government.
Government representatives tell us that the Government has nothing to do with the workings of the ABC. However, the Government selects the members of the ABC Board and the Government provides the funding for the ABC to operate. Further, government Ministers themselves regularly participate in what are in effect attacks on the ABC's independence. Those 68 complaints against AM that were clearly intended to force a more politically compliant line were not initiated or filled out by members of the public; it was the work of the then Minister for the ABC, Senator Alston, and his office staff. Mr Alston was appointed by the Howard Government to be Australia's High Commissioner to the U.K.
If you would like to join this determined and progressive organisation, print out and post the membership form.
FABCWA Constitution
To read our Constitution please open this document.
RULES_OF_THE_ASSOCIATION[1].doc