The ABC has played a crucial role in most of our lives. From Playschool to Bananas in Pyjamas, from cricket on the radio through to JJJ’s Hottest 100.

And after the floods of 2011 how could we forget their crucial worth during disasters. Aunty is a vital part of the national fabric.

Despite the promise by Tony Abbott before the 2013 election, that there would be ‘no cuts to the ABC’, our national broadcaster has been under constant attack since the Coalition took office.

Since 2014 there has been $282 million in cuts.

This broken promise resulted in 800 jobs and a drop in Australian content and services. This year alone, the Turnbull Government has cut a further $83.7 million in ABC funding.

I am very proud that Bill Shorten has announced that a Labor Government will reverse the unfair $83.7 million cut to the ABC and will guarantee funding certainty over the next budget cycle.

It is vitally important that we restore trust and faith in this important national institution. Restoring a healthy public interest media sector is important at a time when Australians are feeling disengaged from their democracy and distrustful of their representatives. Protecting our well trusted ABC is a great place to start.