Labor rejects proposal to replace ABC and SBS ombudsmen with external body

The Albanese government will not adopt antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal’s proposal to replace the ABC and SBS ombudsmen with an external body overseeing their coverage. Government sources pointed this week to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, known as Acma, which already provides independent regulation and can investigate complaints escalated beyond the broadcasters’ ombudsmen.

In revised priorities published in October, Segal called for an independent external ombudsman to scrutinise reporting on the Gaza war and assess whether the publicly funded broadcasters were meeting their accuracy and impartiality standards. She suggested transferring the existing ombudsmen’s responsibilities to a body comparable to those operating in banking and telecommunications.

Segal said many Jewish community members feared that coverage they regarded as favouring one perspective could encourage negative or hostile attitudes towards people who support Israel or sympathise with it. While acknowledging that public broadcasters’ independence needed protection, she argued that external scrutiny and evidence-based review could strengthen confidence in their work.

A spokesperson for communications minister Anika Wells thanked Segal for her efforts on Wednesday and condemned antisemitism as a threat to Australia’s peaceful and equal society. The spokesperson said the government would keep working with the envoy, Jewish communities and Australians more broadly to address antisemitism and support social cohesion.

Labor could consider changes following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, which is due to deliver its final report in mid-December. Led by former high court judge Virginia Bell, the inquiry was established following the antisemitic massacre at Bondi beach in December 2025.

The proposal drew contrasting responses a fortnight ago. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin supported Segal’s recommendations, saying effective scrutiny of public broadcasters required external accountability. The progressive Jewish Council of Australia argued that the plan endangered free expression and democratic rights. The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network also criticised efforts to equate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

Responding when Segal’s proposal emerged, the ABC defended the strength and transparency of its complaints arrangements. Both broadcasters noted that Acma could review their work externally. The ABC ombudsman has examined complaints about Middle East and Gaza coverage, including reporting on the Israeli president’s Australian visit and a press club speech by the Israeli ambassador.

ABC Alumni, representing hundreds of former employees, said the ABC ombudsman had upheld four complaints among thousands alleging bias or inaccuracy in Middle East reporting since October 2023. According to the group, Acma had upheld none. The organisation expressed anger at Segal’s continued contention that the ABC and SBS were contributing to antisemitism.

Segal’s proposals for media scrutiny have developed since her first report in mid-2025, when she sought monitoring powers for the special envoy to promote fair, accurate and balanced reporting. In evidence to the royal commission in mid-2026, she advocated an oversight committee that could endorse ABC and SBS coverage or offer guidance. At Senate estimates this week, she raised concerns about the tone and frequency of the ABC’s Gaza reporting.