Australians are a fairly conservative bunch, preferring to shy away from extremes at both ends. Yet one of our favourite TV shows is arguably the most radical program to have ever graced the small screen.
It’s so radical that I’m surprised some of the louder minority voices on the far right haven’t screamed for it to be banned.
It’s hosted by a son of immigrants who looks like he’s just spent 40 years on a Nimbin commune, and its cast of presenters includes an Indigenous man, a gay man, and a pink-haired permaculturalist!
Each Friday night it features segments on biodiversity and sustainability, regenerative soil health, water wisdom, and how to create habitat and wildlife corridors.
It cultivates a love of nature and Australian natives, and frequently addresses the escalating realities of our climate crisis (probably the only program on Australian TV that does!).
It’s beloved by millions of people of all ages and nationalities and after 36 years it’s become one of the ABC’s most popular productions churning out thousands of episodes and spawning a top-selling magazine, a dedicated app, a popular YouTube channel and a very healthy social media presence. It’s also won numerous Logie and AACTA awards.
And it’s done all of this without having to flog a single product from Bunnings, or any other corporation.
I’m talking of course about Gardening Australia.
So the next time you hear a politician calling for the ABC to be defunded, just think of all the Australians who would not be able to afford to watch this most precious Australian institution.
The ABC costs the taxpayer between 4 and 14 cents a day, depending on your source (or nothing if you don’t pay your taxes).
Commercial broadcasters – after factoring advertising costs built into the cost of consumer products – cost Australians anywhere between 57 cents to $2.70 a day, depending on your source.
Regardless, the ABC still comes in as an absolute bargain.
