Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Digital television switchover discussion paper

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced the release of a discussion paper covering a legislative framework for the digital television switchover.

“The discussion paper proposes legislative amendments required to develop a phased, region-by-region timetable to deliver the switchover to digital television,” Senator Conroy said.

“Providing greater flexibility in the legislation is an important factor in implementing a switchover timetable that addresses the various issues affecting digital switchover in Australia.”

“This is another strong step towards meeting the Government's election commitment to achieve digital television switchover by the end of 2013,” Senator Conroy said.

The discussion paper canvasses options as to how a switchover timetable should be implemented and managed to ensure Australia meets the 31 December 2013 digital switchover deadline.

The details of the switchover timetable are subject to continuing consultations between the Digital Switchover Taskforce, the Australian Communications and Media Authority and relevant stakeholders through the Industry Advisory Group.

Submissions to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy are due by 4 July 2008. The discussion paper is available on the Department's website at www.dbcde.gov.au.

Date: 4 June 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457