The Hon Kate Ellis MP

Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care Minister for the Status of Women

Mr Mark Scott AO
Managing Director Australian Broadcasting Corporation

14th floor
700 Harris St

Ultimo NSW 2007

DearM cott I write to express my deep concern at uncertainty over the future of the ABC's long running television coverage of SANFL football in South Australia. If it is the ABC's Charter to broadcast that which reflects important community, sporting and cultural traditions and events, one cannot argue in favour of discontinuing SANFL coverage in South Australia. For decades and indeed generations, SANFL football has been at the centre of the sporting experiences, entertainment or community engagement of many in our State. I, like so many thousands of South Australian fans appreciate the long history, fierce rivalries and grass roots appeal of SANFL football. Of course, this would all be hugely jeopardised by an ABC decision to discontinue coverage. The SANFL maintains a strong following amongst our community as well as providing an important pathway for talented South Australian footballers to transition to the AFL.

I believe that country people will be particularly disadvantaged and further alienated
from the game and the clubs which they love and which may give their young stars a stepping stone to a successful and high profile career on the national stage. ABC Television has been covering SANFL football for more than 25 years, and has been the sole televiser of the competition since the Adelaide Crows entered the AFL in 1991. Television coverage of leagues such as the SANFL is absolutely imperative for the promotion of their competitions. It provides a great opportunity for the community to stay in touch with the competition, as well as providing valuable exposure.

Electorate Office 161a Main North Road

Parliament House

Nailsworth SA 5083 Telephone: (08) 8269 2433 Facsimile: (08) 8269 2488

Canberra ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7630 Facsimile: (02) 6273 5t88

Publicity for these local leagues is not easy to come by, unlike premier sporting leagues such as the AFL who have broadcasters knocking down their door for broadcasting rights, the VFL, SANFL and WAFL do not have that same luxury- but they do play an important role in both our community and sporting structures. The coverage provided by ABC is highly important and critical to their presence in the market place and absolutely imperative for the promotion of their competitions. If coverage of local leagues is cut, those who maintain even just a passing interest in football's roots and its low budget thrills and spills at suburban football grounds will be left to look back and wonder what happened to the people's game. Broadcasting of these leagues is a key and profound element in aiding the development of the sport. With moving pictures of suburban football, the game will flourish. Without it, these leagues run the risk of stagnating. Like so many of the concerned residents that I represent, I firmly believe that this is

an important part of my Australia and I urge the ABC to uphold its continued
coverage.

Yot sincere

cc Hon John Olsen AO, Chairman, SANFL