099/05
1 September 2005

Telstra sale to benefit Indigenous broadcasting

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan said today the Government’s $3.1 billion Connect Australia package would significantly boost Indigenous radio and television broadcasting services.

The new $90 million Backing Indigenous Ability program, part of the Connect Australia initiative, includes $51.8 million in funds to develop Indigenous television and to restore ageing radio infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities.

“A recent Government report identified options for the creation of an Indigenous television service,” Senator Coonan said.

“The Australian Government’s response to the report will involve the development of an Indigenous television service at a cost of $48.5 million over four years.

“This funding will develop Australia’s Indigenous television and production sector and draw on the skills and capabilities of Indigenous media organisations throughout Australia.”

Senator Coonan said she believed strengthening Indigenous television services would have a positive impact on Indigenous culture and identity.

“This new funding will support the production and broadcasting of more diverse programming, such as Indigenous news, children’s and drama programs that reflect the breadth of our Indigenous communities. Indigenous culture will be represented in a positive light to Indigenous and non- Indigenous viewers,” the Minister said.

The new Indigenous television service will build on an initiative already being transmitted on Imparja Television’s narrowcast service that uses content provided by Remote Indigenous Media Organisations. New content will be developed for the service and will be available for transmission on other broadcasting platforms, such as community television.

The Australian Government will work in consultation with the Indigenous media sector to develop a governance model for the new television service that is inclusive of the interests of Indigenous people across Australia.

In another initiative under the Backing Indigenous Ability program, $3.3 million will be provided to restore ageing radio infrastructure at remote Indigenous communities.

“These radio services are vital to Indigenous communities and this money will help restore and maintain this important service,” the Minister said.