The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

LUNDY'S FTA ERRORS

As the ALP considers its position on the historic Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, it is very important that accurate advice is provided. Senator Lundy's statements have been marked by errors, mistakes and misconceptions.

Unlike Premier Beattie, who wants his Federal colleagues to "get on with it", Senator Lundy is yet to be convinced of the merits of an agreement that will add significantly to the prosperity of the nation.

Senator Lundy claims that the FTA "removes the ability of the Australian Government to legislate in the area of local content". Senator Lundy, not for the first time, has got it wrong. Current local content rules are not affected in any way. Local content requirements on pay-TV can be increased under the FTA, including the right to extend current quotas to additional formats, and to double the expenditure requirement for drama channels. We have the freedom to introduce local content requirements in relation to possible digital multi-channelling on free-to-air commercial television.

Senator Lundy appears to think that the FTA is ambiguous as to whether local content requirements can be introduced on new media. Senator Lundy, we will be able to apply local content requirements to new types of interactive platforms that have not yet been conceived. We can make these decisions without the agreement of the Americans.

Senator Lundy should also be aware that the capacity of the Government to provide grants and subsidies, including tax incentives, for cultural purposes remains completely unaffected

Senator Lundy has a responsibility to provide accurate information and not to mislead her caucus on the impact of the FTA.

MELBOURNE 28 July 2004

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Media contact: Adrian Chippindale 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743