By MELISSA MEEHAN
HE WAS out of the office on business, but a protest outside Casey MP Tony Smith’s office on Thursday sent a strong message.
More than 20 Yarra Ranges residents came together, some dressed up as their favourite ABC staff and characters on Thursday to support that the broadcaster be fully funded and free of ads.
Lilydale’s Tony Inglese dressed up as a foreign correspondent and said that the ABC was crucial to all Australians.
“The ABC lets us know what is happening around the world,” Mr Inglese said.
“The commercial networks don’t always cover what is happening, but the ABC does.”
Mr Inglese said he was concerned about the future for his seven grandchildren.
“Without the ABC it’s just tunnel vision,” he said.
“We need to know what is really happening.”
Silvan resident Pam Vroland said that the ABC was an important part of Australian broadcasting.
“It’s so good for Australia,” she said.
“It’s not just about television news, but people listen to radio, too.”
Mr Smith said that while he was not in the office during the protest, his staff accepted a petition signed by 1761 residents.
“I always welcome constituents putting their views forward to me,” he said.
“I have always had a lot of love for the ABC.”
