Media Release

Budget 2009: Broadcasters and broadband to invigorate and strengthen Australia's digital economy

Measures announced in the 2009-10 Budget will encourage a vibrant, sustainable and internationally competitive digital economy in Australia, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said tonight.

Strengthening our national broadcasters

"Substantial new funding for the national broadcasters, totalling $185.3 million over three years, will allow them to expand their range of programming and build on the success of existing initiatives," Senator Conroy said.

"The ABC and SBS are national treasures and their strong focus on reflecting Australia's culture and diversity, and their roles in providing local news and ensuring an Australian perspective on world events, is increasingly important.

"The ABC will receive $151.7 million in new funding over the next triennium so that it can deliver an advertising-free, digital children's television channel, a significantly increased annual output of new Australian drama and enhanced Regional Broadband Hubs. It will also receive $13.6 million in 2009-10 to assist the organisation to maintain its extensive asset base.

"The SBS will receive an additional $20 million in Government funding over three years to enable it to produce up to 50 hours of new Australian content annually."

Initial investment in National Broadband Network

The National Broadband Network will help secure long-term productivity growth, global economic competitiveness, and the creation of jobs.

Since announcing the initiative on 7 April 2009, the Australian Government has:

• established the national broadband network company
  
  
• progressed negotiations with the Tasmanian Government to commence an early rollout of a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network and next-generation wireless in Tasmania by July
  
  
• had formal consultation with stakeholders on priority backhaul blackspots
  
  
• started the implementation study process to examine, amongst other things, the operating and governance arrangements for the national broadband network company, ways to attract private sector investment, and network design
  
  
• begun consultation on legislative amendments requiring greenfield developments to use FTTP technology from 1 July 2010 and on legislative reforms to make the existing regulatory framework work more effectively.

Getting ready for Digital TV

"Additional funding of almost $140 million over three years will help Australians get ready for digital television.

"This will support the Government's digital switchover program in regional South Australia, Victoria and Queensland, including assisting people who may struggle to switch to digital TV on their own.

Long-term certainty for National ICT Australia (NICTA)

"The four-year funding extension from 2011-12 to 2014-15, totalling $185.5 million, will ensure the long-term viability of NICTAa world-class information and communications technology research facility that is a key asset in Australia's innovation infrastructure.

"With funding certainty to 2014-15, NICTA will continue to generate significant economic and social returns for the Australian community and attract increased investment from other partners.

Proposed expansion of the Do Not Call Register

"The Government will widen the scope of the Do Not Call Register at a cost of $4.7 million over four years to include all telephone and fax numbers, including the numbers used by businesses and emergency service operators. The cost will be recovered from the telemarketing industry and from other offsetting funding.

"This proposed expansion of the Register will help protect businesses, fax users and emergency service providers. These changes respond to the productivity and privacy concerns of those previously excluded from the Register.

Funding for community broadcasting training

"The National Training Program for community broadcasters will receive funding totalling $2.5 million over four years to enable the delivery of accredited management and broadcasting training to community broadcasters.

"This ongoing support for community broadcasting training recognises the contribution made by that sector. Under the program, individual trainees benefit from improved knowledge and skills. These training places will support the special training needs in radio for the print handicapped and Indigenous broadcasting.

Improved television transmission towers

"Provision exists in the 2009-10 Budget for additional capped funding to improve digital television reception in outer metropolitan Adelaide. This will be available if required to supplement funds allocated in the 2008-09 Budget to address reception problems along the Para Escarpment, in the Ingle Farm to Craigmore area.

A forward-looking Budget

"Overall, and despite a global recession and the challenges facing the domestic economy, the Government has demonstrated with this Budget its strong commitment to continuing innovation and infrastructure development to prepare the nation to embrace future opportunities and benefits in the digital economy."

ends

Date: 12 May 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457