Senator FIFIELD (Victoria—Manager of Government Business in the Senate, Minister for Communications, Minister for the Arts and Acting Minister for Regional Communications) (14:27): Colleagues would be aware that, as the ABC has legislated independence, the manner in which the ABC directs the funding that it has to particular activities and particular programs is a matter for the board and management of the ABC. I think we would all be very pleased that the ABC does have a focus on and commitment to Australian drama and Australian product. That is a good and a positive thing. But, in terms of how the ABC management and board direct funding and to which activities, that is something that the ABC has complete freedom in; indeed, this place and the other place have legislated to ensure that those of us who sit here cannot direct the ABC with regard to those decisions.