The release of the program’s budget coincides with a separate disclosure about the millions of dollars spent by the ABC on consultants over the past five years. Between July 1 2022 and February 17 2023, the ABC has spent almost $950,000 on advice from consultants. The majority of that money was spent on “strategic advice” from the Boston Consulting Group, which cost $690,000. The company is working with the ABC on planning and implementing the transition to digital. The ABC spends an average of $1.7 million on consultants each year but is expected to spend less this financial year.

The ABC’s budget breakdown comes as it prepares to slash jobs for the second time in three years as part of an organisation-wide restructure designed to improve its content. The company hired a chief content officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, last month and is also reducing the amount it invests in traditional television and radio broadcasts as it tries to resonate with younger audiences.

ABC news boss Justin Stevens wrote to staff last week to announce the creation of a Next Gen Advisory Panel, which will be used as a sounding board for proposed projects and content for younger audiences. The group of six to eight people will work with head of news, distribution and strategy, Stuart Watt.

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