Role of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Advisory Council

Either on its own initiative or at the request of the Board, to advise the Board on matters relating to the Corporations broadcasting programs. Provide a broad representation of Australian community concerns and interests in relation to programming. Analyse and consider reports and papers, in relation to programming, provided by the ABC. Facilitate communication between the community and the ABC Board. Within the framework of the Councils annual work plan, carry out community consultation seeking views on ABC programming initiatives. Council can also hold interest group meetings from time to time.

Actively manage the discussion of issues by ensuring equitable use of air time by all members, halting side discussions, ensuring that speakers are not interrupted, encouraging informed and challenging debate and rounding out discussion to agreed outcomes. Consult with the members of the Advisory Council, determine and deliver the Councils annual work plan through the use of working groups. Monitor the delivery of this plan at each meeting. Oversee and guide all decisions taken by the Advisory Council. Manage time allocated to topics and guest speakers. If unable to attend any Council meeting, a written report from the Convenor should be sent to the meeting and the Deputy Convenor briefed on the Agenda.

Monitor your participation in meetings to ensure that you stay on topic, be clear about the purpose behind what you are contributing, equitably share air time and respect the opinions of others. Uphold the values of the ABC of integrity, respect, collegiality and innovation. Refrain from participating in the day-to-day management of the organisation, making representations or agreements on its behalf, or influencing management as individuals. Advise, as soon as possible, of any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in matters being considered by the Advisory Council and not take part in any discussion of the matter. Maintain contact with your community and seek their opinions on the ABC. Maintain regular contact with ABC State/Territory Directors.

Role of the Deputy Convenor

In the absence of the Convenor from a meeting of the Advisory Council, the Deputy Convenor shall preside at the meeting.

Role of the Convenor

Be completely familiar with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, and its relevant sections, as it relates to the ABC Advisory Council. Liaise with ABC support staff to set the Agenda for each meeting and approve the draft minutes before they are circulated. Meet with the Chairperson of the ABC Board and the Managing Director prior to each meeting to discuss the Advisory Councils proposed agenda and any feedback from previous advice. Collate and distribute suggested Commendations, Recommendations and ideas from Program Notes prior to meetings.

Members workload

View, listen, access and review ABC programs and services regularly and frequently. Prepare Community and Program Notes in preparation for each meeting. Contribute to working groups and requests for out of meeting research, discussion and writing. The ABC Board may request of the Council, or the Council itself may decide, to seek community opinion on specific issues. Council members would then act as agents for gathering such opinion within their communities. Engage in online Council discussions.

Role of members

View, listen, access ABC programs and services and review all aspects of output. Write up Community Notes reflecting discussions with the public and Program Notes which summarise your views of the ABC programs, services and any other aspect of ABC product in preparation for meeting discussions. Read the Audience Contact Reports, Program Notes of other members of the Council and any other documentation sent prior to the meeting. Come to meetings prepared to speak to any proposals you have foreshadowed in your Program Notes. Meet deadlines for Community and Program Notes, reports and papers, and travel request information. Arrive at meetings on time and return from breaks punctually.

Purpose of Councils discussions

From members Community and Program Notes, discussion identifies advice on ideas for future ABC programming. Identify issues on which to seek further community opinion. Respond to requests from the Board and Executive to seek further community consultation. Raise prospective new ideas arising from each members contacts and involvements.

Relationship between the Advisory Council and the ABC Executive

Members of the Executive will attend meetings at the request of the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council reports its advice to the Executive. The Executive can inform the Council of current and future initiatives of the organisation. The Executive can request the Council to offer its opinion, or seek further community opinion, on specific issues relating to programming.

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS INFORMATION

Relationship between the Advisory Council and the ABC Board

The Advisory Council members are appointed by the Board. The Board may determine how the Advisory Council performs its functions, the procedure to be followed at meetings, the selection of the Advisory Council members and any questions arising from the Advisory Council meetings. The Managing Director shall notify in writing of any determination by the Board in relation to the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council reports its advice to the Board and particulars of this advice are noted in the Annual Report. As required by the ABC Act, the Board shall have regard to this advice. The Board can request the Council to seek further community opinion on specific issues. The Board can request the Council to provide input on matters relating to ABC programming.

Meeting schedule (two day meeting)

1st week of March meeting in Sydney 1st week of May teleconference 1st week of July meeting in a state or territory city 1st week of September teleconference 1st week of December meeting in Sydney

For further information please contact: The ABC Advisory Council Board Executive Officer Box 9994 GPO Sydney NSW 2001 Telephone (02) 8333 5312 Fax (02) 8333 5482 Email abcac@your.abc.net.au

08/07/09