ABC Staff Director Reinstated

2SER's Razors Edge

The staff of the ABC are about to get their own representative on the broadcasters board of Directors. After a six year campaign to have the position of “staff elected director” reinstated, the Gillard government has now passed the legislation and an election will be held early next year. The elected staff position was introduced in 1975, but it was abolished by the Howard government in 2006. Veteran ABC presenter and journalist Quentin Dempster previously held the position and was keen to stand again, but due to a technicality in the law, he is now not eligible. But another leading ABC reporter is planning to stand for election and has Dempster’s backing. Matt Peacock has worked at the national broadcaster for over 30 years and his book on James Hardie was recently made into the TV drama, “Devils Dust” He spoke with 2ser’s Mark Robinson.