Wednesday 9 May 2007

Labor in the dark on digital – again

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan today welcomed the debate of the digital radio legislation in the Parliament this week, while Labor confused itself over what it all meant.

“Labor again today demonstrated its ignorance of digital broadcasting and the significant benefits it will bring to Australians everywhere,” Senator Coonan said.

“Not content to abolish Digital Australia – the body set up to ensure that all Australians can gain access to digital television, Simon Crean and Stephen Conroy also want to delay indefinitely the introduction of digital radio.

Legislation covering the licensing, planning and regulation of the digital radio framework is currently with the Parliament and provides a framework for the commencement of DAB technology digital radio services in all Australian State capitals by 1 January 2009. 

“This legislation will facilitate a speedy rollout of digital radio in capital cities, followed shortly thereafter by rollout in regional and rural areas,” Senator Coonan said.

“This legislation is the result of an extensive period of consultation with industry, and a further consideration by a Senate Committee.

Senator Coonan said it was disappointing that the Labor Party had made attempts to defer the legislation until trials of another platform, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), were complete.

“The Labor party’s claim that rural and regional areas will miss out when digital radio broadcasts begin in Australia demonstrates its ignorance of digital broadcasting,” Senator Coonan said.

“Labor fails to understand that this legislation will also provide for the future introduction of digital radio in rural and regional areas. 

“ Rural and regional Australia will not be left behind but too little is known about the appropriate technologies for delivery of digital radio in these areas for it to be prescribed in legislation now.

“There is no reason in the meantime why the radio sector should not be able to commence operations in metropolitan areas. A review in 2011 will facilitate a proper consideration of the performance and popularity of digital radio in State capitals, together with an assessment of the best technology for its delivery in regional and rural areas.

“This Government is not prepared to hold back from Australians access to digital services.  Whilst Mr Crean and Senator Conroy may be content to linger in the analogue age, this Government continues to focus on moving forward into the exciting world of digital,” Senator Coonan said.

Media Contact: Fiona Telford - 02 6277 7480