Dear ABC colleagues
As many would be
aware, I’m seeking endorsement as the MEAA’s candidate for the position of
Staff Elected Director on the ABC Board.
I’m proud to be doing
this with the encouragement of friends and long-time colleagues I deeply
respect.
MEAA members can
vote here now by clicking https://abc-meaa.carrd.co/
Don’t delay. You
only have until 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday 29 January to have your say.
I have not taken
this decision lightly given the enormous responsibilities and am asking you to
consider endorsing my candidacy for the following reasons:
·
It’s important to back a person who knows how to
argue for ABC staff – and I’ve represented you over many years as your elected
MEAA Federal Councillor and on the ABC National House Committee
·
While I am known for being an experienced “voice
of reason”, I also see through corporate spin and will be a forceful voice for
ABC staff right around the country
·
I work at the frontline across the range of ABC
programs and report on the big economic issues like inflation and rising
interest rates that go directly to pressures on every household
·
We need a content maker and not a manager
appointed to this important role – so vote for me
·
I’ve worked across different state, national and
international levels at the ABC and understand all the platforms – radio, TV, social,
digital and online
·
I will represent all staff equally – not the
interests of one program, state or territory
Colleagues - if
you’re not an MEAA member, please consider joining so your voice is heard.
For members of the
CPSU reading this, I am also a member as part of my commitment to represent the
best interests of all ABC staff – regardless of affiliation or union
membership.
See below for my
full candidate statement.
Thanks for your
consideration.
The ABC is a national treasure which needs to be protected and nurtured as the global media landscape continues to challenge traditional public broadcasters around the world.
My love of the ABC and the many
opportunities it has provided during my long career is why I am nominating for
the role of Staff Elected Director on the ABC Board.
As a joint union member belonging to MEAA
and CPSU, I would be honoured to represent all ABC staff right around the
country to not only be the voice of fellow workers but to ensure the big issues
are fully debated within the confidence of the ABC Boardroom.
I am particularly concerned about:
· Pushing for better wages and conditions
for ABC staff to ensure greater productivity is fully recognised especially
with pressures from the higher cost of living hurting every household
· Advocating greater diversity and
inclusion right across the ABC – ensuring access to childcare, leave
entitlements and career development is provided to all
· Working to bridge the gender and
cultural pay gap
· Ensuring the ABC remains independent
and fearless – that we are properly funded, commercial free and able to fulfil
our Charter
This agenda needs to be driven from
the top – not just in tone – but in policies that are tangibly reflected across
the workplace whether that is in recruitment, gender diversity, cultural
diversity and how that is reflected in the ABC’s programming.
MY BACKGROUND
Importantly, I believe my skills
would bring an extra layer of real-world media experience to the ABC Board direct
from the frontline where squeezed resources don’t always match the demands for
greater output.
My extensive coverage of the
Financial Services Royal Commission gives me a special insight into the issues
of boardroom governance, transparency and legal responsibilities in major
institutions that are relevant to the Staff Elected Director position.
As a senior ABC journalist, I have had
the privilege of reporting and analysing major issues that go to the heart of
governance and transparency at the ABC - including the events of 2018 that
resulted departures of chief executive Michelle Guthrie and chairman Justin
Milne.
It is important that the ABC
continues to build and enhance its hard-earned reputation and to ensure that
all efforts are made to secure appropriate funding that provides long term
certainty for the organisation.
My ability to report the big issues
that shape our society allowed me to cover widespread worker underpayments in
Australia - including those the ABC self-reported which resulted in a $600,000
“contrition payment” agreed with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
My responsibilities as Staff Elected
Director would be enhanced by my experience of working with a wide range of
staff ABC staff beyond journalists alone - as Washington Bureau Chief, an ABC
senior executive as Head TV News & Current Affairs in Victoria, an
Executive Producer, Business Editor and currently ABC Senior Business
Correspondent.
My ABC journalism has been honoured
by a Walkley Award, two Kennedy Awards, National Press Club Financial
Journalist of the Year (2012/2019) and two Citi Excellence in Journalism
awards.
In addition to being a member of the
MEAA Federal Council, I am a member of the ABC National House Committee and a
Trustee of the NSW Journalists Benevolent Fund which confidentially assists
media workers who fall upon hard times.
In 2022, I was awarded the Order of
Australia medal (OAM) for services to the broadcast media as a journalist.
I joined the ABC in 1984 and after
two long incarnations, I have notched up around 35 collective years with roles
in Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Washington – a career of experience and
passion that positions me well to make a big difference on the ABC Board.
While the ABC is a great institution,
it’s far from perfect and can only be improved by a louder voice from staff on
the Board.
Peter Ryan
27 January 2023
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