What's the task of a public broadcaster?

There could have been better issues for "Q and A" last week. Amalgamating local councils in NSW because it's demanded by the so-called independent body, IPART ( and of course IPART's members are nominated by the State Government). The affordability of housing. Raising the GST. Schools funding. The accelerating cost of electricity. Or what the Baird Government is doing, apparently, to privatise TAFE .

Let's suggest some issues of concern to other ordinary Australians. In my visits to hospitals in Western Sydney, I talk to people worried about bread and butter issues: rising prices or the cost of electricity, or their own health problems. When I speak in country areas, people worry about shrinking towns, youth suicide, and the mining of farmland. In northern Brisbane, I was told of problems around 'fly in, fly out' dads, remoteness from sports facilities and lack of opportunities for youth employment. People elsewhere must have other pressing issues. Yet the pet issues I've mentioned earlier dominate many ABC programs. I'm worried that ABC current affairs is dominated by some kind of inner city in-group.

Many of us love the ABC. We weary of the silly trivia on commercial media about Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber. And the relentless pushing of some new movie by Arnie or The Rock, or some loopy diet promoted in someone's book. Many of us tune into ABC for its music and careful, mostly intelligent commentary. We want the ABC to continue to be intelligently critical. Not to be always negative of governments of any colour. And not always supporting the pet ideas of the lefties of Balmain, Collingwood and Glebe.

ABC, you are supposed to represent all of Australia. Look at yourself and look hard. Don't go into another orgy of indignation and self-congratulation about this recent crisis. Some contrition and hard reflection might be in order. We love our ABC - but we'd like it to be a bit more reflective of all the people of Australia.