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

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Arts, upon notice, on 16 March 2011:

With reference to National Indigenous Television (NITV):

(1) As current funding for NITV runs out on 30 June 2011, when is a decision

expected to be made regarding the future of NITV.

(2) Does the Minister expect that a decision will be made to continue government funding of NITV.

(3) Will NITV be granted free-to-air status.

(4) Given that the current annual funding for NITV of approximately $15 million per annum was set back in 2007, does the Minister consider a request for increased funding is reasonable.

Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for the Arts has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Government is currently considering future funding for NITV as part of its Budget considerations.

(2) As above.

(3) Questions on broadcasting policy should be directed to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy.

(4) See response to question one.