ABC presenter Andrew Geoghegan gives a dignified farewell speech on his emotional last day

Veteran ABC presenter Andrew Geoghegan hosted his final news bulletin on Friday, after 18 years with the public broadcaster.

The longtime presenter delivered a dignified farewell speech after being made redundant due to budget cuts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘That is ABC News for now and for me, it’s farewell,’ he told viewers.

He added: ‘This has been a year of upheaval and the pandemic has only accelerated the hollowing out of the media industry and journalism in particular.’

‘Newsrooms across the country are losing vast amounts of experience and that doesn’t bode well for a strong and independent media sector, one that needs to be well-funded.’

He continued: ‘So please keep watching, listening and reading trusted news sources because quality journalism depends on your support.’

Andrew went on to thank his colleagues and family who have supported him throughout his career. 

‘Thanks to all the teams here I’ve worked with over past two decades and thanks to my beautiful wife and kids. And thanks for your support,’ he concluded. 

Andrew also shared a photo of his faded security card to Twitter, and wrote: ‘Given I’ve almost disappeared from my security pass it’s obviously time to go.’

He has worked on The 7.30 Report (now 7.30), Lateline, Inside Business, as well as ABC Radio programs AM, PM and The World Today.

Andrew has also contributed to SBS, and during days as a correspondent in Europe and Asia covered some of the world’s most significant news events.

In June, the ABC announced it was cutting up to 250 jobs in order to save $40million per year.

Australia’s public broadcaster, which is funded by taxpayers, also cancelled its flagship 7.45am radio news bulletin as part of the changes.

The ABC’s managing director, David Anderson, blamed the cuts on the government freezing operational funding to the organisation – leading to a budget shortfall of $84million.