Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows

The Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) Bill is a positive step in response to the needs of the radio industry as it makes its transition to the digital broadcasting - the Greens are in support of this action.

The Greens particularly support the provisions in this legislation that extends the opportunity for the community radio sector to become shareholders in the Joint Venture Companies that will administer the multiplex licenses they will use on the digital spectrum.

Including community radio broadcasters in the Joint Venture companies goes towards ensuring the viability of the stations and the sector, for although the sector has been guaranteed access to the digital spectrum, giving them the option of buying into the JV will provide them with a seat at the decision making table.

The commercial broadcasters have expressed some concern over what they see as government intervention in the running of a private company. However, I reject this notion, as the amendment is simply the provision of a time extension for an existing arrangement, and in no way changes the intention of the original legislation.

The Greens commend the government for taking action to respond to the needs of the radio industry as it transitions to digital and I thank the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia and the Commercial Radio Australia for participating in Committees process in the passage of this legislation.

I also note that financial limitations on community broadcasters continues to exist and could still result in the community radio broadcasters being unable to buy into Joint Ventures, even with the time extension being granted.

The committee report states that “these financial constraints should be taken into account in managing the transition to digital broadcasting”.

We need the Government to factor this in as the transition to digital broadcasting progresses for both the radio and television media.

In order to not merely hang on at the margins of the digital switchover but actually thrive in this new media environment, it is essential that the Government properly resource the sector, and I look forward to working with the Communications Minister as this process unfolds.