Chair and Members of the Committee,
I appreciate making a brief statement.
The ABC remains the home of Australian storytelling and I’m delighted to say that our 2026 content slate takes that legacy to the next level.
Next year the ABC will feature over 100 new and returning titles from our extraordinary talent – showcasing the creativity and ambition that define the ABC.
It’s a dynamic line-up of distinctive Australian programming across broadcast and digital platforms.
Unmissable Australian drama and comedy, world-class children’s and family content, returning favourites and exciting new original formats.
It means increased investment in premium television hours, increased investment in drama, and more investment in original podcasts with more long-form audio storytelling.
Investment in Australia and Australian stories has never been more important.
And I’m delighted that has been recognised by the Federal Government with its announcement last week to provide $50 million to the ABC to invest more in content.
A most welcome initiative that will enable the ABC to better deliver on its Charter commitment to tell Australian stories, serve Australians with rich original work, celebrating the nation’s rich diversity.
It’s been a strong year for the ABC.
I know that awards are only one sign of progress but the ABC’s journalism excellence was recognised last Thursday winning nine Walkley Awards, including the Gold Walkley for Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett’s outstanding investigative journalism into the shocking failures of Australia’s childcare industry.
Reports which already have led to major reforms by government.
A remarkable 30 ABC journalists, programs and teams were finalists across 18 categories of the Walkleys.
Impactful, exceptional journalism of which all Australians can be proud.
And this week Ipsos Rankings announced that ABC NEWS is the number one digital news brand – which has been the case for every month in 2025.
ABC iview is also the #1 reaching BVOD service with 3.4 million Australians watching content on ABC iview on average each week and the most trusted media brand and most trusted news brand in Australia.
And we’re determined to do even better in 2026.
With summer underway, as an official emergency services broadcaster, the ABC’s emergency team will play a vital role in helping Australians stay informed and safe during times of crisis.
Our recent Darwin coverage around Cyclone Fina was a great example of the best of ABC local and ABC Emergency Broadcaster working brilliantly together for the benefit of Top End communities.
And in a new development we will be assisting other local media with emergency-related digital news media content in regional and rural Australia.
This is the ABC at its best.
Providing high-quality content, vital information in time of need, and serving all Australians wherever they live.
Thank you.
Visit https://www.abc.net.au
