Lawn Bowls: Television Coverage

As a long-time supporter of lawn bowls I viewed with concern the recent announcement by the ABC of its decision to cancel the coverage of this sport. This is an issue of great concern to over 200 000 Australians who watch the coverage of bowls every week. It also raises a question about the ABC's commitment to its own charter. The bowls community is concerned about the long-term impact on the sport, because televised bowls provides engagement with existing players and supporters as well as a new generation of players. The televising of this sport has been noted particularly for driving new interest amongst young people and securing the future of the game. It is therefore concerning that the national broadcaster has deemed it appropriate to cut off this opportunity for the sport to renew itself. On behalf of the many of my constituents who enjoy going for a roll, I call on the ABC to reinstate its coverage of lawn bowls.