Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Urban Infrastructure) Share this | Hansard source

We have also seen a comprehensive package of reforms to protect our children from gambling advertising, to modernise and assist our broadcasting sector and to recognise the changing media landscape, which has affected the way in which Australians consume content. The government has listened to the community. We are taking action to protect Australian children from regular exposure to gambling advertising during live sporting programs. This budget has seen an announcement of the government's intention to abolish broadcasting licence fees, providing fee relief of around $127 million a year—helping to level the playing field so that Australian broadcasters can compete in the modern media environment and continue to tell high quality Australian stories. In its place, the government will charge broadcasters a new fee for the spectrum they use of around $40 million, which is much more reflective of its value.

The government is continuing to support the development of Australian drama, children's programs, documentaries and other content by commissioning a joint review of the current regulation and funding framework. Our content review will identify policy enhancements that will ensure the ongoing production of Australian and children's screen content for domestic and international audiences, regardless of platform. There are adjustments to modernise the antisiphoning scheme. There is funding of $7.5 million a year, over four years, to increase the coverage of sports that currently receive low or no broadcast exposure and it provides funding to replace advertising revenue that the SBS has been unable to realise without legislative change. We have wide-ranging media and content reform proposals, responding to the growing pressure on our broadcasting sector. I look forward to ongoing discussion of these reforms, and other reforms, throughout this consideration in detail section.

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