Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Building industry switched on for digital television

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today launched a handbook to assist the building and associated industries plan for digital television switchover.

“The switchover from analog to digital free-to-air television is the most exciting and far reaching change in the history of the broadcasting industry. There are however challenges ahead and that is why we are encouraging the participation of key industries in the planning process,” Senator Conroy said.

The Digital Television Antenna Systems Handbook is jointly issued today by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in co-operation the Digital Switchover Taskforce and television-associated industries. It is endorsed by the Building Minister's Forum, chaired by Senator Carr.

“This handbook will help lift standards in the unregulated TV and antenna installation sector. Only through all levels of Government working constructively with industry will we deliver the digital television revolution for Australia,” Senator Carr said.

Senator Conroy said the handbook would assist developers, owners, managers and tenants of buildings with shared antenna systems prepare for digital television switchover.

“The Government has set a firm date for analog switch-off on 31 December 2013 and the Digital Switchover Taskforce will produce a timetable later this year to allow a smooth transition. It is vital that all Australians are informed so that they can make the right choices for digital switchover,” Senator Conroy said.

Senator Carr said the handbook will assist owners, managers and tenants of buildings, such as apartments, units, hotels and care facilities, with shared TV antenna systems.

“It is also a helpful tool for people involved in supplying or maintaining shared TV antenna systems,” Senator Carr said.

Copies of the handbook are available for download from www.abcb.gov.au or via links from www.digitalswitchover.gov.au

Date: 16 July 2008
Contact:
Senator Conroy's office Sophie Mitchell 0412 394 962
Senator Carr's office Catriona Jackson 0417 142 238