Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, , 7:39:47 to 7:43:06
SBS Managing Director Jane Paul provides an opening statement highlighting the broadcaster's role in fostering national connection, multilingual services, and social cohesion through trusted journalism.
Topics: Social cohesion, First Nations
Speakers: Ms Jane Palfreyman, Senator Varun Ghosh
timely one I'm a before the program. No no I'm now uh now in a position to release um officials from the National Gallery of Australia and the National Archives of Australia and I thank my colleagues for their cooperation in that respect.
Thank you, Chair.
Okay. I now call officers from the Special Broadcasting Service. Welcome Ms. Jane Paul from Managing Director and your colleagues to the table. Do you wish to make an opening statement?
Thank you, Chair. I do. Chair and committee members, thanks for the opportunity to make brief statement. In an increasingly complex world, SBS plays a unique role in fostering understanding understanding and connection across Australia through trusted journalism, multilingual services, First Nations media, distinctive Australian storytelling and shared national experiences. SBS's coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a key example of how we bring the nation together. More than 18 million Australians tuned in, making it the largest event in SBS's history. In homes, parks and pubs across the country, Australians from different cultures, languages, and generations came together to watch the beautiful game and cheer on their teams, all provided free through SBS. Beyond the World Cup, SBS was again ranked equal first as Australia's most trusted news organisation, delivering local news and information in more than 60 languages and showcase diverse Australian stories through a content slate that reaches more than 13 million Australians. SBS is more than a media company. Through programmes and initiatives such as Australia Explains, SBS Learn English, SBS examines Insight, The Point and the Feed Debate Series, SBS brings diverse perspectives into the national conversation, encourages respectful exchange and strengthen communities' connection, belonging and participation. And these outcomes sit at the heart of SBS's purpose and require deliberate action. For example, earlier this month, SBS launched how Australia works in English and in multiple languages, providing practical information to people, helping them to understand Australia's democracy, institutions and civic processes. It builds on SBS's more than 50 year role in supporting social cohesion and helping people participate fully in Australian society. Looking ahead, as our population evolves and changes, the way people access information continues to change. And SBS must evolve as well. One of our key priorities is the language services review undertaken every five years following the census. The review helps ensure our language services continue to reflect contemporary Australia and meet the needs of the communities we serve. Public consultation on the draft language selection criteria is currently underway with community feedback and census data informing SBS's future language offering from the end of 2027. In a time of growing fragmentation and division, our role has never been more important. While the way we deliver our services continues to change, our responsibility remains constant to inform, educate and entertain Australians and to reflect the full diversity of our nation in ways that strengthen connection, belonging and shared understanding. Thank you. Excuse me. Thank you. I welcome your questions.
Thank you very much. Senator Henderson.