Why has ABC made Andrew Probyn redundant? Matt Canavan slams the public broadcaster
Senator criticizes ABC’s decision to fire 100 workers, including their popular political editor, after pocketing $6 billion in funding — as calls for chairman Ita Buttrose to step down over the ‘carnage’ grow
- Senator Matt Canavan says ABC is becoming “irrelevant.”
- Mass layoffs lead to calls for ABC chairman Ita Buttrose to resign
An opposition senator has criticized the ABC for firing political editor Andrew Probyn despite the federal government allocating $6 billion in the May budget.
Probyn said he was “stunned” after being told on Thursday he would lose his job as part of sweeping budget cuts, prompting calls for ABC chairman Ita Buttrose to resign.
Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan said the national broadcaster should hold MPs accountable and that it was becoming ‘irrelevant’.
“They cut the political editor. This is outrageous. One of their jobs should be to scrutinize us, and of course the political editor helps with 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 members, is being fired in what has been called a “carnage”.
There have been calls for ABC chairman Ita Buttrose to resign or be fired for making Andrew Probyn redundant
Mr. Canavan told sky news Australia that Probyn was always scrupulously honest in the way he handled political stories.
“I’ve had my run-ins with Andrew Probyn, but he’s always been very tough, but always very fair,” he said.
“So I just think it’s a remarkable decision to just jettison someone with that legacy and business savvy here in the press gallery.
“I think the ABC is sliding into irrelevance.”
The Queensland senator, who has been skeptical about global warming for a long time, also said: ‘Apparently the ABC has so much money that they are going to set up a climate reporting unit.
“I can’t wait, personally, (for) more weathermen to scare us. We’re apparently going to ignite instantaneously in 10 years.’
Andrew Probyn (pictured) said he was stunned after being told on Thursday he would lose his job as part of sweeping budget cuts at the ABC
Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan (pictured) said the ABC should hold MPs accountable and it is becoming an ‘irrelevance’
Speaking on the same program, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg also defended Probyn, suggesting his firing was less about his job and more about internal ABC machinations.
‘It is clear that Probyn has been an editor there for a long time and has a very good reputation.
‘It’s disappointing. Seems like it’s a bit of a political decision, I must say, by the ABC.
“But of course the ABC has always been quite a political organisation, so I’m not sure anyone is really that surprised, but I hope Andrew is okay,” Mr Bragg said.
Reaction to the firing was swift and brutal, with many calling on Mrs Buttrose to fire herself.
“Can they make Ita Buttrose obsolete,” one Twitter commenter wrote.
Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno expressed shock (pictured) at ABC’s firing of Andrew Probyn
Another said firing 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 ABC TV’s post of political editor in Canberra has become obsolete.
“It’s like saying a kitchen doesn’t need a cook. @andrewprobyn is hardworking, skilled and credible.”
In response to Bongiorno, another commentator wrote: ‘our national broadcaster does not need a political editor. That’s a WTF moment!’