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

I thank Senator Abetz for his question. The media industry is facing significant challenges as a result of technological change. The impact of new communications technologies is eroding the business models of traditional print media organisations, threatening their ability to continue investing the necessary resources to support news gathering and the production of quality journalism. This is a worldwide phenomenon. A healthy and robust media is essential to the democratic process.

In response to these changes, the government yesterday announced an inde­pendent media inquiry. The inquiry will focus on print media regulation, including online publications and the operation of the Press Council. The inquiry will also examine the effectiveness of print media related codes of practice, particularly in light of technological change that is leading to the migration of print media to digital and online platforms. The inquiry will be conducted by former Federal Court judge Ray Finkelstein QC, who will be assisted—