Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

If I could, I will come to the issue raised by Senator Xenophon. As I indicated in my unruly interjection, I could have been a bit stronger than ‘mischievous’. I accept that Senator Scullion is very passionate and concerned about these issues, as we all are. He has demonstrated his passion and concern. But we do not accept the conclusion or observation and analysis of what the government is intending. Therefore, we do not accept or support Senator Scullion’s amendments.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs will receive a request. There will be community consultation by officials according to FaHCSIA guidelines, including consulting an organisation such as the women’s centre et cetera. Community agreement is not required. The minister then decides whether to declare an area. Upon the area being declared, AUSTAR either self-declares channels or keeps records for 21 days to inform declaration. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy considers whether to approve self-declaration or declare a station according to records. That is the process for the implementation of the provisions with respect to R18+ restrictions and is in addition to the provisions enacted by the previous government in 2007. I will conclude my remarks with this: the bans introduced by the former Liberal government remain in place. Our bill extends the former government’s measures via the process that I have outlined. It does not usurp or replace them.