Fed: Friends of the ABC denounce Newman appointment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
Fed: Friends of the ABC denounce Newman appointment

The Friends of the ABC will hold a rally outside the broadcaster's Melbourne headquarters
today to protest the appointment of Australian Stock Exchange chairman MAURICE NEWMAN
to the board.

The lobby group says the five-year appointment -- announced last week -- is a step
toward destroying the ABC's independence.

Friends' vice-president Dr JUNE FACTOR says the arrival of Mr NEWMAN, one of Prime
Minister JOHN HOWARD'S closest confidantes, shows the government's intention to control
the ABC.

Mr NEWMAN is also chairman of Deutsche Bank Australia's Pacific advisory board and
chairman of Treasurer PETER COSTELLO'S financial sector advisory council.

Communications Minister RICHARD ALSTON says Mr NEWMAN brings skills in finance and
business management to the board.

AAP RTV sjg/et/jw/jx

KEYWORD: ABC NEWMAN (MELBOURNE)

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