For almost 90 years the ABC has provided reliable, accurate and relevant news and entertainment for millions of Australians. The ABC consistently is rated as the most trustworthy news source for Australians, with over 17 million Australians consuming some sort of ABC content each and every week. However, in recent times we've seen the foundations of the ABC come under consistent attack from this government, who are determined to cut and cut the very institution upon which so many Australians rely. Since 2014 we've seen the Turnbull government cut $282 million from the ABC, with 800 jobs lost and a drop in Australian content and services.

But support for the ABC is strong. During the winter recess I held two 'Save the ABC' community rallies, attended by hundreds of locals. As in many communities across Australia, we heard from residents who said the ABC was their go-to choice for news and entertainment. Our local community and millions of Australians are sick and tired of the continued attacks on the ABC by the Turnbull government. The ABC is for all Australians across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia. We must protect and strengthen it. Now more than ever Australians need the ABC, our strong, trusted and independent public broadcaster. My message to the Turnbull government today is clear: hands off our ABC.