The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:07): I move:

(1)That this House notes that ABC's Country Hour is Australia's longest running radio program, first broadcast on 3 December 1945, and celebrating 80 years of continuous service to rural and regional Australia.

(2)That this House acknowledges that the program was established during the final months of the Second World War following research showing that educational radio content could improve agricultural productivity to support the national war effort.

(3)That this House recognises the instrumental role of John Douglass, agricultural scientist and inaugural Federal Director of Rural Broadcasts for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, whose leadership shaped the program's distinctive rural focus.

(4)That this House further notes that since its inception, the program has brought trusted information to farm families, including early coverage of stock sales at Homebush, agricultural education, poultry production and haymaking at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College.

(5)That this House observes that Country Hour is currently broadcast each weekday from midday to 1.00 p.m. on all regional ABC local radio stations, delivering the latest news, analysis and stories from rural and regional Australia, with a strong emphasis on the agricultural industry.

(6)That this House further acknowledges the longstanding relationship between regional communities and Country Hour, reflected in its loyal audience and the deep respect consistently shown for ABC rural reporters and producers across the nation.

(7)That this House pays tribute to the ABC's rural department past and present for its commitment to ensuring rural Australians are informed, connected and heard.

(8)That this House celebrates the remarkable contribution of Country Hour on the occasion of its eightieth anniversary and commends the program for its enduring service to rural and regional Australia.

Motion agreed to.