“Friends of the ABC welcomes the Government’s announcement. But I would feel more comfortable if we knew how much funding the ABC will get for its entire operation, something we won't know until the May Federal Budget," said Glenys Stradijot, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

“Proclaiming there will be a children's television channel is one thing. Adequate funding to ensure the ABC is resourced to produce suitable content for it is another.

“The ABC needs to receive funding which is sufficient for it to produce quality content for the children's channel. Its funding must also be adequate to ensure that resources are not drawn away from other cash-strapped areas to pay for the new initiative.

“The ABC has been run-down over many years. It needs additional funding to meet all of its Charter responsibilities. Important areas, like Radio National, Radio Australia, current affairs and drama need to be rebuilt.

“And if the national broadcaster is to remain relevant, it needs sufficient funds to be at the forefront of technology change. Presently, it is forced to rob Peter to pay Paul,” said Glenys Stradijot.