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Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield) [5.38 p.m.]: I bring to the attention of the House a matter that would cause every Australian a great deal of anxiety and concern. I am particularly concerned as I take a great interest in all aspects of the creative industry—film, writing, art and music. On 31 October the ABC announced its decision to scrap the Glass House. The announcement was made after the current running of the program. The ABC said the program would not be continued next year and the last episode would go to air on 29 November. Ours is the oldest Parliament in the country and it is the seat of democracy. The show had been enjoying its highest ratings ever with average audiences of 728,000 and the program regularly out-rated commercial programs in the same timeslot. This year it won a peak audience of about 860,000 viewers. In a media release dated 3 November, ABC director Mark Scott said the show had had a good run and that the ABC wanted to extend the same opportunity to other comedy shows. He stated:
We place a very high premium on finding the new talent, creating the programs, creating the new opportunities.
And that's why you can't keep doing everything you've always done and you have to grab the opportunity to try and do some new things.
It is clear to most people that this has been a political decision designed to stifle any criticism of the Howard Government, even if it is in a humorous, satirical style. In fact, since the decision there has been an outcry. The targets of satire are often the Government of the day and political leaders. That is a vital part of free speech in a vibrant and healthy democracy. Even Paul Keating said that he enjoyed the Rubbery Figures show. Numerous comedy programs have focused on leading government figures. That is one of the great things about Aussies and our values: We can take the micky out of ourselves; we can laugh at ourselves. That is a unique part of Aussie humour.
About 3½ years ago in one of my first speeches in this place I referred to the potential impact of the Free Trade Agreement [FTA]; I was treading on thin ice because it was a Federal issue. That was yet another instance when Australia was trading away its future. The FTA means fewer Australian productions and fewer jobs for Australian actors, writers and producers. We have some of the best television productions in the world. What will we get instead? We will get dumbed down American culture in our lounge rooms. That is very sad. Some of the feedback put on the ABC's web site states:
I'm not happy with the axeing of the Glasshouse!!! You are pretty much the only TV program I watch these days.
Am soooo sad about The Glass House coming to an end, it has been my favourite show for years ... where else can you find a show where the hosts and guests say just what everyone else is thinking??
So much other crap on the other channels and especially the other crap from OS. Why can't you support good Australian shows???
Dump the only decent show on your channel for some other crime scene/death inspired CSI clone, or God forbid, another pointless "manufactured reality" show. Brilliant idea ABC management!!!!! How about you replace it with political propaganda for the Howard Govt in the lead up to the next election, hmmm.
What a big mistake ABC I cannot believe u will take this great show off the air. This is the best show on tv. My son and I watch every week and will miss it terribly. shame shame shame.
Cutting the Glass House smacks of CENSORSHIP. Our pleasure from laughing at the stupidity of our system is being deprived because the Establishment is the butt of the jokes.
The most maddening thing is, if you look carefully, The Glasshouse aren't promoting Labour either. As with most comedy, it is about pushing at the dominant paradigm.
The last Glasshouse will be a very dispiriting day in our household ... where is Aunty heading? What's next? Triple J being closed down for inciting young people to care about issues?
Let us hope the ABC does not axe The Chaser. If it does there will be war! [Time expired.]