4914

2004-2005-2006

 

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

 

THE SENATE

 

 

Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Bill 2006

 

 

(Amendments to be moved by Senator Murray on behalf of the Australian Democrats in committee of the whole)

(1)     Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 8), after item 2, insert:

2A  After subsection 12(3)

Insert:

          (3A)  In making an appointment in accordance with subsection (2) or (3), the Governor-General is to have regard to the merit selection processes described in section 12A.

[merit selection of ABC board members]

(2)     Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 12), after item 4, insert:

4A  After section 12

Insert:

12A  Procedures for merit selection of Board

             (1)  The Minister must, within 9 months of the commencement of this section, determine a code of practice for selecting and appointing directors of the Board that must include the following general principles:

                     (a)  merit, including but not limited to appropriate broadcasting industry knowledge; and

                     (b)  independent scrutiny of appointments; and

                     (c)  probity; and

                     (d)  openness and transparency.

             (2)  The Minister must cause to be tabled in both Houses of the Parliament a copy of the code of practice within 15 sitting days after determining the code in accordance with subsection (1).

             (3)  The Minister must cause to be tabled in both Houses of the Parliament an amendment to the code of practice within 15 sitting days after the amendment is made.

[merit selection of ABC board members]