by FilmInk Staff
The ABC’s Media Watch has questioned the reporting of a $50 million Screen Queensland funding announcement, finding that early coverage presented the figure as a boost without initially explaining that it was $30 million less than the previous two budgets.
The program examined coverage across Queensland media, including the ABC, and found the full context of the funding was not reported by the ABC until nine days after the original announcement. The report highlights the need for journalists to independently examine government announcements rather than simply adopting their framing.
Watch the ABC Media Watch report
The issue is also relevant to Screen Queensland’s recent decision on the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Screen Queensland, led by CEO Jacqui Feeney, announced in June that BIFF would be “paused” in 2026 while the agency develops a new operating model for the festival.
The agency said the decision followed “extensive sector feedback” and would involve working with key partners and stakeholders. It expects BIFF to return in 2027.
Read Screen Queensland’s BIFF announcement
However, Screen Queensland has not publicly detailed the consultation process, including who was consulted, what feedback was received or how that feedback contributed to the decision.
While “paused” is the terminology used by Screen Queensland, the immediate outcome is that there will be no Brisbane International Film Festival in 2026.
The lack of publicly available detail leaves questions about how the new model will be developed and what role audiences, filmmakers, industry organisations and other stakeholders will have in shaping the festival’s future.
Screen Queensland says planning for the new delivery model has commenced and that it will work collaboratively with key stakeholders ahead of the planned 2027 return.
The BIFF decision also highlights the importance of explaining the practical meaning behind official terminology. While “paused” reflects Screen Queensland’s position on the festival’s future, audiences will not have a major film festival in 2026.
Together, the funding announcement and BIFF decision raise questions about how government agencies communicate major decisions and the role of journalists in providing audiences with the broader context.
