
Issue No 84		16 February 2001

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News

Shier Calls the Cops! - Fear and Loathing at the ABC

By Dermott Browne

ABC managing director Jonathon Shier has turned police on his own staff in a bid to stop criticism leaking from the organsation.

Federal Police were called into the ABC to investigate the leaking of a document in January that revealed that the cost the cost of the Senior Executive of the ABC has risen by $7.4 million under Jonathan Shier's restructure of the ABC.

The CPSU has provided legal representation to members who have been asked to co-operate with the police investigation, Graeme Thomson the ABC Section Secretary of the CPSU said today.

"The use of the Federal Police to track down the leaking of a document that detailed the cost of Shier's new Senior Executive structure is unwarranted and is without precedent", he said

Up to 11 ABC staff were directed to attend the Goulburn St Police station today for questioning.

Shier has failed to earn the trust of staff and is now relying on tactics of fear and intimidation of ABC to limit any public examination of his performance as Managing Director of the ABC.

The information that was allegedly leaked goes to how taxpayer dollars are being spent at the ABC. This information should be on the public record.

Shier's sacking of three of his own hand picked executives over the past 2 weeks is only one example of the current crisis at the ABC.

Staff morale is at an all time low, staff are being sacked, and TV production has stalled because of a shortage of funds. This in part caused by the Federal Government's funding cuts but has been exacerbated by Shier's waste. He has already spent up to $15 million restructuring his senior executive and this cost is likely to go up by a further $2 million with the sackings announced this week. As his sackings continue, the list of outstanding claims through the courts builds up - all potentially draining even more funds away from program making.

"The ABC cannot survive under Shier. It is time for the ABC Board to step in and either control his excesses or remove him" Mr Thomson said.

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  Issue 84 contents

Interview: Life After Wartime
After ten years representing the interests of the labour movement in Parliament, Jeff Shaw is back at the bar. And loving it.

Legal: Why the Freeloaders Should Pay
Michael Costa explains why service fees are not only fair - they are economically rational.

Organising: Young Activists Bask in Union Summer
Sydney students have spent three weeks of their summer holidays experiencing on-the-ground work with unions.

Unions: Things Are Looking Up On The Dock
After six years as a call centre worker, Marios Ellas has joined the union movement. Here's his first impressions.

History: Trades Hall � The Royal Connection
Republic, who needs it when we have the Trades Hall decreed by Royal Imprimatur? So tug your forelock as work commences to restore the building.

International: Greetings from Hong Kong
Chan Wai-Keung from the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions outlined the challenges facing Hong Kong workers.

Politics: One Nation - The Old Labor Link
The resurgence in One Nation in the WA election has the pundits again reaching for the tea-leaves. But are they pouring from the wrong pot?

Review: Elect the Ambassador
Labor frontbencher Duncan Kerr unveils his vision for a new international democracy.

Satire: Man Buys Big Issue for the Articles
A Melbourne businessman claims his recent purchase of the "Big Issue" was due to his interest in the magazine's editorial content.

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» Wentworth Twenty Emerge Victorious

» Racing Radio Makes Way for Workers� Voice

» Another Major Centre Takes Union Call

» Transport Passes Key Issue for Young Workers

» Shier Calls the Cops! - Fear and Loathing at the ABC

» BHP Contracts Battle Goes Back to the Coalface

» Newcastle Mill to be Union Project

» Government Must Lead on Casual Leave

» Della Ends Discrimination on Leave Entitlements

» Rural Safety Campaign Pays Off

» Mom Always Said � Don�t Break a Picket