FED: Labor tells Pearson to turn to politics

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-1999
FED: Labor tells Pearson to turn to politics

CANBERRA, Aug 10 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard's former speechwriter, Christopher
Pearson, should enter politics instead of trying to join government boards, the federal
opposition said today.

Mr Pearson - who was understood to be a contender for appointment to the ABC board but
missed out - was yesterday appointed to the Australian National Museum Council.

Labor communications spokesman Stephen Smith said he had also heard Mr Pearson mentioned as
a Liberal candidate for election to the South Australian parliament as well as a possible
member of the ABC board.

"My advice to Mr Pearson was that he should seek elected office," he told reporters.

His comments came as Communications Minister Richard Alston formally announced the
appointments of conservative academic Judith Sloan, barrister John Gallagher and former
Liberal MP Ross McLean to the ABC board.

Senator Alston rejected Australian Democrats' claims that the appointments smacked of
political bias, saying the three would bring a wealth of private, public and community sector
expertise and experience.

"They will help ensure that the board of the ABC possesses the widest possible range of
skills and interests, and will assist the national broadcaster to meet the challenges of the
new millennium," he said in a statement.

Mr Smith welcomed the state representation of the three new appointees, who come from
Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

"I'm very pleased the government has heeded our call to ensure that the ABC board reflects
the national characteristics of the ABC," he said.

"(But) we'll be watching very closely the role and conduct of the board, as we will the
government, as we monitor the effectiveness of the ABC as the country's national broadcaster."

Family and Community Services Minister Jocelyn Newman welcomed the appointment of Professor
Sloan, saying the Howard government was committed to gaining parity on government boards.

"No-one could claim that Professor Judith Sloan's appointment is in any way tokenism," she
said in a statement.

"She has unique experience, skills and an impressive intellect that will greatly benefit
the board."

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