ABC contributes to knowledge nation
6 December 2000
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has highlighted the contribution made by the ABC to informed and open debate in our society and the dissemination of important intellectual developments.
\"The NTEU fully supports ABC staff taking industrial action in defence of the national broadcaster\" Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President said. \"ABC staff must be able to carry out their roles without fear or favour. Any hint of political interference, either directly from the Government or through the ABC Board, undermines the ability of the ABC to continue to contribute to open and informed debate.
\"University staff are all too aware of the corrosive effects of censorious interventions into intellectual work. Attempts to infringe free and accurate reporting by media workers is analogous to the infringements of intellectual freedom within the education sector. Both strike at the heart of our democratic system and should cause serious concern for the whole community.
\"The ABC is an important outlet for the dissemination and popularisation of work carried out by educators and researchers. Educators throughout the country value the ABC for its ability and willingness to deliver their work to a much wider audience and in contributing to an ongoing educational experience outside of a formal learning environment.
\"The work of the Science Unit has been particularly important in exposing a lay audience to highly complex concepts and discoveries. This is a clear example of an activity commercial media have been unwilling or unable to undertake. If the experience and expertise of the highly professional and effective Science Unit were lost, it would take many years to rebuild.
\"The NTEU congratulates staff and their unions for their action today to protect the vital role played by the ABC.\"