Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Minchin not switched on to digital
New shadow communications spokesman Nick Minchin is in need of a briefing on the digital future, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said today.
"In his first statement as shadow communications spokesman, Senator Minchin declared a concern about Government plans for a 'digital switch-off'," Senator Conroy said.
"I can assure the Senator that while the Opposition may be concerned with a digital switch-off, the Government is getting on with the job preparing for the analogue switch-off at the end of 2013."
"Unlike the previous Government, we are dedicated to a digital future and our position is clear we have set a firm switch-over date of December 31, 2013."
"Senator Minchin is one of the Opposition's most seasoned performers and I expect him to bring enthusiasm to a portfolio of vital importance to Australia's future economic prosperity."
"However, the shadow spokesman's enthusiasm appears to have blinded him to the issues at hand and I would be more than happy to offer him a departmental briefing to bring him up to speed," Senator Conroy said.
ends
Date: 22 September 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
