ABC denies bias in VAD coverage

The ABC Ombudsman, Fiona Cameron, dismissed a formal complaint from Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP regarding the broadcaster's coverage of voluntary assisted dying in July.

Archbishop Fisher alleged that the broadcaster lacked impartiality and failed to present alternative viewpoints during a period coinciding with the ALP national convention. In a letter reported by The Australian, the Archbishop argued that the ABC repeatedly gave Andrew Denton, the founder of the advocacy group Go Gentle Australia, multiple opportunities to promote law reform across television, radio, online, and social media within nine days. Fisher noted that the ABC's own editorial standards require the broadcaster to avoid advocating for specific outcomes in contentious social debates.

Cameron denied that the ABC's coverage lacked impartiality.