ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
MEMBER FOR GRAYNDLER
TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR WATSON
CATHERINE KING MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEMBER FOR BALLARAT
MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
WESTERN SYDNEY LABOR MPs & CANDIDATES
An Albanese Labor Government will commission a feasibility study into the relocation of the Sydney-based headquarters and studios of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) from Artarmon to Western Sydney, alongside the provision of a multi-purpose space for content creation and public use.
To build the inclusive Australia of tomorrow, you need to start planning today.
Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse and fast-growing areas and SBS is Australia’s most diverse multilingual, multiplatform media organisation.
The feasibility study will examine the merits of addressing the inequality in infrastructure, skilled jobs and cultural investment in Western Sydney by utilising the national multicultural broadcaster, the SBS.
The SBS is a vibrant, diverse, efficient and innovative jewel in Australia’s multicultural crown and Labor will examine the feasibility of situating it in the heart of a fast-growing corridor in multicultural Australia.
When former Prime Minister Paul Keating opened the SBS building in Artarmon over 25 years ago, it was to help mainstream SBS by moving it closer to other TV networks, bringing radio and TV under the one roof for a complete service.
A quarter of a century later, other TV networks have relocated and SBS is a distinctive, dynamic and successful multiplatform digital broadcaster that stands on its own two feet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vital relevance and power of SBS in reaching multilingual, multicultural and First Nations audiences, including in Western Sydney which faced some of the strictest lockdowns.
After promising “No cuts to the SBS”, the Liberals slashed the SBS budget.
Twice the Liberals introduced bills into Parliament to increase prime time advertising on SBS, which Labor opposed and defeated.
In contrast, Labor is committed to growing the SBS, Australia’s trusted multicultural broadcaster, and utilising its value as a platform.
Labor wants to leverage Australia’s investment in the Australia of tomorrow and is committed to seeing both SBS and Western Sydney thrive in the 21st Century.
Labor respects the independence of the SBS and will work with the SBS to progress the feasibility assessment in a consultative manner.
Only Labor will support and maintain the SBS as our independent multicultural broadcaster.