Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am aware of some commentary, and the parliament will have the opportunity to examine that proposed rule change. The fact is Australians do have access to an incredibly diverse array of media sources. The online sources are in abundance. In fact, the existence of the two-out-of-three rule not only no longer protects diversity but, I would contend, prevents media companies from building scale. That, in itself, is a threat to ongoing media diversity. Paul Anderson, the CEO of Network Ten, says:

We are yet to hear any rational argument in favour of keeping the two out of three rule, which only applies to three offline media platforms and doesn’t even recognise the existence of the internet. It is illogical and antiquated and threatens local diversity by constraining Australian media companies in our efforts to grow and compete.

Well said, Mr Anderson.