Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the House does not insist on its amendments Nos 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 disagreed to by the Senate and agrees to the consequential amendment made by the Senate.

Digital television is not just about the introduction of new channels, interactive applications and a clearer picture for viewers. The transition will also free up valuable spectrum. This freed-up spectrum will allow for new communications services to be introduced in Australia. The previous government’s 12 years of inaction on digital television left Australia lagging behind the majority of the developed world and has delayed the realisation of these significant benefits. It is important, therefore, that there are no further delays. While we consider that the opposition amendment on black spot reporting is poorly drafted, the government is determined to keep digital switch-over on track. The government is committed to ensuring that all Australians who receive analog television are able to receive digital television, no matter where they live. For this reason, the government will support the bill as amended by the Senate and we will get on with the job of switching to digital and modernising our communications infrastructure. I commend the bill to the House.

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