SBS still has an important role: Fifield

There are ways the two public broadcasters can work together but SBS still has a distinct and important role, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield insists.

"One of the reasons why we have such a good bedrock of tolerance in Australia is because of the work that SBS has done over the years," he told the National Press Club on Wednesday.

Outgoing ABC managing director Mark Scott has proposed merging the two organisations.