Senator slams ABC’s decision to sack 100 workers including their popular political editor after pocketing $6billion in funding – as calls grow for chair Ita Buttrose to resign over the ‘bloodbath’
- Senator Matt Canavan says ABC is becoming ‘irrelevant’
- Mass sackings lead to calls for ABC chair Ita Buttrose to go
<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
An Opposition senator has slammed the ABC for sacking political editor Andrew Probyn in a massive cost-cutting drive, which comes after the broadcaster was handed $6billion in the budget.
Probyn said he was ‘gobsmacked’ after being told on Thursday he was losing his job as part of sweeping cutbacks, leading to calls for ABC chair Ita Buttrose to resign.
Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan said the national broadcaster should be holding MPs to account and that it’s becoming ‘irrelevant’.
‘They’ve scrapped the political editor. This is outrageous. One of their roles should be holding us to scrutiny, and the political editor obviously helps to do that,’ he said.
Probyn, who joined the ABC in 2016, was told his position was no longer needed and he, along with more than 100 other staff, is being made redundant in what is being called a ‘bloodbath’.
There have been calls for ABC chair Ita Buttrose to resign or be sacked for making Andrew Probyn redundant
Mr Canavan told Sky News Australia that Probyn was always scrupulously fair in how he covered political stories.
‘I’ve had my run-ins with Andrew Probyn, but he’s always been very tough, but always been very fair,’ he said.
‘So I just find it a remarkable decision to just jettison someone of that heritage and corporate knowledge here in the press gallery.
‘I think the ABC is sliding into irrelevance.’
The Queensland senator, who is a longtime sceptic about global warming, also said ‘Apparently the ABC are so flush with funds they’re going to set up a climate reporting unit.
‘I can’t wait, personally, (for) more weathermen to scare us. We’re going to instantaneously combust in 10 years apparently.’
Read Related Also: IL Dems' new law – citizens may ONLY file suit against the state from two counties
Andrew Probyn (pictured) said he was ‘gobsmacked’ after being told on Thursday he was losing his job as part of sweeping cutbacks at the ABC
Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan (pictured) said the ABC should be holding MPs to account and that it’s becoming an ‘irrelevance’
Speaking on the same program, Liberal senator Andrew Bragg also defended Probyn and suggested his firing was less about his job and more about internal ABC machinations.
‘Obviously Probyn has been an editor there of long standing and has a very good reputation.
‘It’s disappointing. It looks like it’s a bit of a political decision, I have to say, by the ABC.
‘But the ABC has always, of course, been a rather political organisation, so I’m not sure anyone is really all that surprised, but I do hope Andrew is OK,’ Mr Bragg said.
The response to the sacking has been swift and brutal, with many calling on Ms Buttrose to herself be fired.
‘Can they make Ita Buttrose redundant,’ one Twitter commenter wrote.
Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno expressed his shock (pictured) at Andrew Probyn’s sacking by ABC
Another said sacking Probyn was a ‘Disgusting decision. Shame on you Ita Buttrose.’
Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno wrote that he is ‘still recovering from the shock announcement that the position of political editor in Canberra for ABC TV has been made redundant.
‘It’s like saying a kitchen doesn’t need a cook. @andrewprobyn is hard working, competent and credible.’
Replying to Bongiorno, another commenter wrote ‘our national broadcaster doesn’t need a political editor. That’s a WTF moment!’
