As Federal Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull detailed cuts of $254million to the ABC over the next five years, rallies have been organised across Australia by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Media Arts Alliance (MAA). 

With less than two days’ notice, the CPSU pulled together a small rally at which former Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly spoke, along with Bega Valley Shire councillor Keith Hughes. 

Bow Campbell from the CPSU said the protest was part of the week of action, which will culminate in a rally outside Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. 

“It’s one thing for the unions to assist staff during the cuts, but we also want to support the community in voicing their dismay about cuts to the ABC,” he said. 

Bega Valley local Dianne Beckett came with a sign that said “No more cuts to our ABC” and a hand-knitted B1 doll from Bananas in Pyjamas. 

“I believe the ABC is the mind and heart of this country,” she said. 

Dr Kelly said, “In regional and rural Australia the ABC is the background to our lives”.

He criticised the Federal Government and made reference to Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s promises before the last election that there would be no cuts to the ABC or SBS. 

“The ABC is vital to regional Australia and you need to let your local member Dr Hendy know this, because by the next election if these cuts continue it may be too late to repair the damage,” he said.