The Australian Government has implemented 5-year funding terms for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), which commenced on 1 July 2023. A public consultation process was held to review options to support the independence of the national broadcasters through changes to funding and governance.

This paper summarises the key views and themes raised during public consultation, along with the government response to each. It identifies reform options to provide greater certainty for announced funding and governance arrangements to protect against political interference, including the appointment processes for the ABC and SBS Boards.

Key findings

• Public submissions broadly supported the implementation of 5-year funding terms.
• A recurring proposal from submissions was the need for a structured framework for funding decisions, enabling national broadcasters to present their forward funding requirements earlier in the funding term.
• The government will consider legislative protections for announced funding.
• Changes to the framework for Nomination Panel appointments will be considered.
• In order to enhance transparency, selection criteria for appointments to the Nomination Panel will also be considered.
• Existing legislative frameworks for board appointments are to be maintained. 
• The Government will consider amendments to align relevant directive and regulatory provisions in the ABC and SBS Acts.