Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before moving general business notice of motion No. 588, I ask that the name of Senator Ciccone be added to the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senators Marielle Smith, Kitching and Ciccone, move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that local community television services Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide provide valuable programs and services to the community including:

(i) local news,

(ii) grassroots multicultural, sporting and arts activities and events,

(iii) training opportunities for young and emerging journalists and screen practitioners, including in partnership with universities,

(iv) support for small businesses and not-for-profits, 

(v) live to air broadcasts of cultural and religious services for older audiences without internet access;

(b) recognises that, consistent with the objects of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide:

(i) play an important role in reflecting Australian identity, character and cultural diversity,

(ii) provide program material that is locally significant, and

(iii) contribute to the diversity of broadcasting services available to the Australian public;

(c) notes that:

(i) consistent with the objects of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide assist to:

(A) maximise the overall public benefit derived from using the radio frequency spectrum, and

(B) make adequate provision of the spectrum for use by community services,

(ii) there is no immediate or planned alternative use for the radio frequency spectrum occupied by Channel 31 and Channel 44,

(iii) since Mr Malcolm Turnbull's 2014 announcement of the Government's decision to move Community Television off-air, to an online-only model of distribution:

(A) the government has provided financial assistance and licence extensions to support a transition to an online-only distribution model, and

(B) licence uncertainty has contributed to the closure of CTV services in Sydney (TVS), Brisbane (Bris31) and Perth (WTV),

(iv) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the media sector means a successful transition of C31 Melbourne and C44 Adelaide to an online-only distribution model is not feasible at this time; and

(d) calls on the Government to renew and/or extend the necessary licences for Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide to remain on air so they can continue to provide programs and services to the community over the free and ubiquitous broadcast television platform.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government has a long history of supporting community television. The remaining community TV broadcasters in Melbourne and Adelaide have been working with the government since 2014 to transition online. The government recognised the shift to digital creatives years ago, and, through Screen Australia, it has funded talent development online for more than 200 projects, primarily for YouTube. The top 30 alone have had more than 377 million views. Community TV helped launch the careers of many well-known comedians. With an online platform and support from their loyal followers, they can continue to help develop Australia's next generation of screen talent.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens support this motion wholeheartedly. It is absolutely essential that the government drops their mean-spirited approach towards community television, both in Adelaide, in my home state of South Australia, and in Victoria. One very easy stroke of the pen from the minister would fix this problem and relieve dozens of job losses, preventing the hundreds of people who currently volunteer for these community television stations from being left in the lurch. It's very simple: a stroke of the pen. The minister should do it today.

Question agreed to.