I would like to associate myself with those remarks in relation to our wonderful Yazidi community. Australia successfully settled its one‑millionth refugee last year, and among that million is our wonderful Yazidi community, which is making a valuable contribution across our beautiful country.
One of the avenues through which their stories are told is SBS. I rise, Acting Deputy President, as a fan—and as a proud co‑chair of the Parliamentary Friends of SBS—to say that SBS is a national treasure, an absolute national treasure.
There have been some divisive prophets of doom wandering the Australian political landscape who have been saying negative things about that national treasure, SBS. I say to those people: watch SBS. Actually watch it—turn it on. There is no better time to do so than now, with the World Cup underway.
I want to congratulate everyone at SBS involved in the outstanding coverage of the World Cup. In that monumental victory Australia achieved over Turkey—a 2–0 win—an average of 3.035 million viewers tuned in to SBS. The total reach for that match was 4,783,000 Australians. Nearly five million Australians were watching SBS—watching our Socceroos secure a fantastic victory.
And yet there are still those pessimistic voices calling for SBS to be abolished. It is absolutely disgraceful.
Forty‑one per cent of viewers watched the match via SBS On Demand—and I was one of them. That highlights the importance of ensuring all Australians can access the World Game on SBS.
We should also remember, Acting Deputy President, that SBS broadcasts in more than 60 languages, reaching all parts of the Australian community and bringing Australians together. Whether through television, digital or audio, SBS connects Australians from all backgrounds.
The Reuters Digital News Report also indicates that SBS is one of the most trusted sources of news in this country. So not only is SBS broadcasting the World Game, and not only is it telling the stories of all Australians, it is also a trusted and vital part of our national life.
