The ABC’s emergency service is funded through its operating grant. The costs of providing emergency service broadcasts have skyrocketed in recent years as the number of climate crises has increased. At the same time, the ABC’s operating grant has been slashed.
When the ABC's emergency broadcasting service was delivered in 2011, the emergency division operated for around six months of the year. It now runs all year-round.
In 2017-2018 the ABC handled around 251 emergency broadcasts. In 2023-24 that number rose to 659 – and it continues to rise.
It is unrealistic to expect the ABC to offer this essential service without proper funding.
We need a supplementary fund, indexed annually to the number of active climate events, to meet the full costs of the ABC’s emergency service.
We must guarantee that all Australians can receive this vital service – it could mean the difference between life and death.
We call on all parties and candidates for office to support the introduction of a dedicated fund to provide full funding for the ABC's emergency service.