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
Warning on unauthorised digital TV offers
Australians switching to digital television should beware door-to-door salespeople offering conversion equipment and falsely claiming to represent the Government, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said today.
“I was outraged to hear reports about people claiming to represent the Government and offering digital television goods door-to-door. These people have no relationship with the Government and should be reported immediately,” Senator Conroy said.
“Anyone who becomes aware of this activity should immediately contact the Government’s Digital Switchover Taskforce by calling 1800 20 10 13 or visiting the www.digitalready.gov.au web site.”
“Make no mistake, any unscrupulous activity that is brought to the Government’s attention will be reported to Consumer Affairs.”
“I would like to thank the Member for Mallee, John Forrest, for bringing these activities in the Mildura/Sunraysia region to my attention.”
“Switching to digital TV is a straight forward and inexpensive task for the vast majority of Australians,” Senator Conroy said.
“Set-top-boxes are available in supermarkets and electronics retailers to suit a range of budgets and I urge people to find a product that meets their needs and helps them enjoy the benefits of digital television.”
In January 2009, the Government announced a package of in-home assistance for people such as the elderly, people with disabilities and their carers to make the switch to digital television. The pilot package will be offered directly to eligible residents in Mildura/Sunraysia well before switchover.
“Eligible households in Mildura will receive a letter inviting them to participate in the program about six months before the region is due to switchover in the first half of 2010,” Digital Switchover Taskforce Executive Director, Andy Townend said.
“To be absolutely clear, once this scheme commences, it will be free of charge – and no government contractor is allowed to ask for, or accept, any payment or top-up fee of any kind.”
Senator Conroy urged people to find out more about digital television and check whether a business has been endorsed by the Government by calling 1800 20 10 13 or visiting the www.digitalready.gov.au web site.
Date: 7 October 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
