States call on ABC to continue televising sport

9/8/01
A meeting of State and Territory Sport Ministers in Adelaide has unanimously called on the ABC to continue televising national and State-based sports such as netball, State league football and basketball.
The national broadcaster is reported to be reviewing its televised coverage of the sports.
Adopting a motion put by Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter, the meeting said any decision by the ABC to withdraw television coverage would have a severe and negative impact on the sports involved.
It would reduce the profile of the sports involved, result in a loss of sponsorship and subsequent potential for a decline in participation.
Mr Carpenter also condemned federal Sports Minister, Jackie Kelly, for not attending the meeting even though every effort had been made to fit in with her schedule.
"This was unacceptable as it was the first opportunity the State and Territory Governments had to discuss with Ms Kelly a Federal Government decision to transfer funding from community sport to elite Canberra-based sport," Mr Carpenter said.
"The decision has deprived community groups in Western Australia of $300,000 a year in sport and recreation funding.
"It will reduce participation rates and hit communities around the State."
Mr Carpenter said the Federal Government's decision was taken only one year into a three-year funding agreement and done without consulting the States.
"This arrogant attitude gives the States little confidence in entering funding arrangements with the Federal Government," he said.
The meeting passed a motion to write to the Federal Minister requesting that the decision be reversed.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9213 6800