ABC funding should be safeguarded against government influence, Rod Sims says

Former competition watchdog also calls for five-year budget guarantees, as pledged by Labor, and stronger ABC governance

The ABC should have a guaranteed five-year funding cycle and its budget and board should be at arm's length from government influence, former competition tsar Rod Sims has said in a speech.

Ahead of Tuesday's budget, when the ABC will have its $84m indexation restored, Sims called for strong and clear" ABC governance and stable funding for the public broadcaster.