The Albanese Government is set to name one of the ABC’s best-known on-screen talents to replace Ita Buttrose when she retires as chair of the national broadcaster next March.
I can exclusively reveal that host of the long-running and popular Gardening Australia, Costa Georgiadis (main picture), was chosen as Ms Buttrose’s replacement in a recent top-secret interview with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. (below)
Below is a transcript leaked to me of the key section of the meeting with Mr Albanese (AA in transcript) and Ms Rowland (MR) that clinched the deal that will see Mr Georgiadis (CG) assume the position of ABC chair while continuing to front the Friday-night program.
I am told by both government and ABC insiders, not from Insiders, that the Albanese Government holds no great expectations for Mr Georgiadis.
As one senior government source told me: “Albo knows it’s a risk taking a chance on the gardener, but believes he will be a vast improvement on Ms Buttrose as chair just by being there.”
AA: Do you think that we can stimulate growth through temporary incentives?
CG: As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.
AA: In the garden?
CG: Yes. In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have autumn and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.
AA: Spring and summer?
CG: Yes.
AA: Then autumn and winter?
CG: Yes.
MR: I think what our insightful young friend is saying is that we welcome the inevitable seasons of nature, but we’re upset by the seasons of our economy.
CG: Yes! There will be growth in the spring!
MR: Hmm!
CG: Hmm!
AA: Hmm. Well, Mr. Gardener, I mean Mr Georgiadis, I must admit that is one of the most refreshing and optimistic statements I’ve heard in a very, very long time.
Michelle Rowland applauds.
AA: I admire your good, solid sense. That’s precisely what we lack on Capital Hill.
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