Australian Government Boosts ABC Funding and Proposes Five-Year Financing Legislation

Labor announces $83 million funding increase for the ABC over two years, with ongoing annual support of $43 million, and plans to legislate longer funding terms to safeguard independence.

• The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will receive an $83.1 million funding increase over two years starting in 2026-27, with an additional $43 million annually thereafter.
• Labor plans to legislate five-year funding terms for the ABC and SBS, replacing the current three-year cycle, to provide greater financial stability and reduce political interference.
• The funding boost addresses a shortfall caused by a previous freeze on indexation under the Coalition government, which had left a $42 million annual gap in the ABC's budget.
• The move follows a government-commissioned review recommending stronger safeguards for the independence and governance of public broadcasters.
• ABC leadership welcomed the funding increase, emphasizing its importance for democratic processes, cultural storytelling, and addressing rising operational costs.

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