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ABC staff shake-up sparks job cut fears ahead of pay talks

The public broadcaster's plans to implement a new operating model and change the way support staff work has unnerved employees and unions.

John Buckley
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ABC staff were informed of the plans this week, according to emails seen by Capital Brief, following a review of the broadcaster’s support arrangements, including for budget management, rostering and recruitment. AAP/Joel Carrett.

Moves by ABC management to implement a new operating model have sparked fears of job cuts, ahead of upcoming pay talks that will pose the first public test for new managing director Hugh Marks.

ABC staff were this week informed about the new operating model which involves changes to the ways the public broadcaster's support staff work and how it conducts activities including budget management, rostering and recruitment.

In a note to staff viewed by Capital Brief, the ABC's director of news Justin Stevens said the changes were designed to resolve various challenges including "unclear roles, overly broad responsibilities and inconsistent and sometimes cumbersome processes."

Stevens said the changes would not "significantly change" the number of support roles across the ABC and that anyone affected would be contacted directly during a four week consultation process. It will take effect on 1 October and apply to all teams.