Peter McGauran (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Parramatta for her question and her interest in this subject. It may be that she is putting the cart before the horse. We want to do this in a very considered way, and for that reason the government has established, within the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Digital Australia to coordinate and oversee Australia’s transition to digital television.

Digital Australia positions have been advertised. The time for applying has closed and officers for Digital Australia are now being considered. Digital Australia will be located in Sydney. Its establishment is well underway. Digital Australia will educate Australians on the benefits of digital television in order to accelerate take-up and inform consumers about the need and the ways to convert to digital transmission as switchover approaches.

Importantly, and directly in response to the honourable member’s question, Digital Australia will identify sections of the community which may have special needs and coordinate efforts to meet those needs. Consequently, Digital Australia will consider all of the issues surrounding the diverse interests of the industry in the switchover process, including broadcasters, receiver importers, antenna installers, retailers—all will be called upon to participate.

Consequently, the government has the issue of community television under active consideration. It will take advice from bodies such as Digital Australia, which will be a focal point for providing both technical and policy advice. The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has not yet reached a final position, as the minister did in regard to digital radio. As the member has said, the minister allocated $10½ million for community broadcasters to participate in digital radio. However, the position of TV community broadcasters is front and centre of the government’s thinking and the matters are under active consideration.

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