The Australian Media Communications Authority (ACMA) has determined ABC's Four Corners program Sacrifice, featuring the Australian War Memorial (AWM) Development Project, breached the ABC Code of Practice.
After an extensive investigation, ACMA found the ABC's editorial standards did not treat the AWM with due impartiality.
AWM Director Matt Anderson said: "We are disappointed the ABC's flagship program breached basic editorial standards to produce a negative narrative about the development of the Australian War Memorial.
"Audiences expect the ABC to report on important matters, and we welcome ACMA's finding that this program lacked important context and perspectives.
"Facts and varied perspectives are the very fabric of the Australian War Memorial, and we expect that same standard of other national institutions, like the ABC."
ACMA concluded that the program's presentation of the Australian National Audit Office's (ANAO) findings, its treatment of the consultation process on the development, contract management, ABC's selection and treatment of interviewees and the cumulative framing of contentious issues "unduly favoured one perspective".
The report also found that the program's editing, language and tone was one-sided and did not provide audiences with sufficient context.
The AWM approached the ABC directly to resolve the complaint and the ABC Ombudsman found the program had not breach editorial standards.
AWM Council Chair Kim Beazley then made a formal complaint to ACMA who completed an independent investigation.
Mr Beazley said: "This is a vindication of the work done by the development team, which is continuing to obtain a multiplicity of honours."
"We were not satisfied with the ABC's response and expect the record to be set straight."
"The AWM's management of the Development Project is award winning and the outcomes are world-class.
"The Council will not allow this program to unfairly damage the reputation of the Australian War Memorial."
ACMA accepted that Four Corners was entitled to investigate matters of substantial public importance and to adopt a critical approach to public administration.
However, the ABC did not make clear the ANAO audit's three supporting findings were assessed as "largely effective" and omitted the AWM had accepted and acted upon all five recommendations from the audit.
ACMA also found the program did not adequately explain that two separate consultation stages were being discussed, contributing to an impression that Mr Anderson was mistaken or disingenuous.
Mr Anderson said: "We value our longstanding relationship with the ABC, and that was why it was important to call out this negative narrative in their program."
"The Australian War Memorial is so much more than this program led audiences to believe, and we encourage all Australians to visit and experience it for themselves."
The AWM has requested the program be removed from the ABC's platforms.
For Background ACMA Findings: https://www.acma.gov.au/articles/2026-09/four-corners-breaches-impartiality-requirements-war-memorial-story
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