Coalition calls for Royal Commission hearings into ABC and arts sector

The Federal Coalition has called on the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to establish a dedicated block of hearings examining Australia’s arts institutions and public broadcasters, including the ABC and Creative Australia.

Shadow Attorney-General Senator Michaelia Cash, Shadow Minister for Communications Senator Sarah Henderson and Shadow Minister for Arts Angie Bell made the submission on Thursday, arguing publicly funded cultural institutions “shape public debate, influence cultural norms and carry significant responsibilities to foster social cohesion and combat hatred in all its forms”.

“Recent events have raised serious questions about whether some institutions have responded with sufficient urgency, consistency and transparency to rising antisemitism,” the joint statement said.

The Coalition cited “sustained criticism and public concern” over aspects of the ABC’s Middle East coverage, complaints handling processes and broader editorial approach, including evidence and submissions now before the Royal Commission “alleging that its coverage has contributed to social division and diminished confidence among sections of the Jewish community”.

The submission specifically noted the ABC and SBS have declined to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism used by the federal government, state governments and the Royal Commission itself.