Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Earlier this year I launched a $13.6 million pilot program to support the switchover process in the Mildura-Sunraysia region, including by providing satellite services in areas of signal deficiencies and an assistance package to help eligible households switch to digital. Under the pilot program, assistance will be given to every household in which one resident is the recipient of the full age pension, disability support pension, carer payment or an equivalent payment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Every household in the Mildura-Sunraysia region that falls into one of these categories will receive a free high-definition set-top box which will be fully installed for them by an accredited technician. The assistance package will commence six months before the switchover date, and the pilot program also includes the establishment of a new satellite service which, with the cooperation of regional broadcasters, will extend viewer access to digital TV throughout the Mildura licence area. (Time expired)