The ABC announced in March that the current fifth season of the murder mystery drama, set in Ballarat, would be the show’s last.   

The decision has since received severe criticism from fans across the world, with a petition calling for a reversal of the decision gathering more than 5000 signatures within a week. 

In recent weeks the show’s star, Craig McLachlan, has also joined the protests, telling The Courier the decision to axe the show made no sense given the consistently strong ratings.  

Co-star Nadine Garner said “I was really sad, disappointed and a little bit confused, because we were doing such strong figures”.  

Ms King said she had written to the ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie asking for her to explain why the program had been axed. 

“It’s telling a uniquely Australian story with our voices and I think the role of the national broadcaster is really to produce that local content which generates jobs for our actors and film crews,” Ms King said.  “I find it baffling because when a show is working and popular why would you stop making it?

“It’s a really good show and a really good advertisement for Ballarat.”  

Fellow Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek also took to social media to vent her frustration at the decision, calling on the ABC to “end the madness” and restore the program which was “great family viewing”.  

Speaking following the March announcement, ABC head of scripted production Sally Riley said while the show had a “sensational run”, it was time to finish on top. 

“We have a fantastic final season still to come and we look forward to wrapping the series up with a satisfying movie-length finale, as we bid farewell to an Australian TV icon."

Earlier this week Mr McLachlan said the show could potentially find a new home on another network, confirming work was being done to keep the program alive.