Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Dividend and Other Measures)
Bill 2011
Additional Comments - By Senator Scott Ludlam, the Australian Greens
The Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Dividend and
Other Measures) Bill 2011 (the Bill) amends the Broadcasting Services Act
1992 (the BSA) and the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the
Radiocommunications Act). These amendments introduce measures to effectively
implement a reorganisation of digital television channels to realise the
digital dividend, and to improve the regulatory framework for free-to-air
digital television services provided on the VAST satellite service and the
switchover to digital-only television.
The Australian Greens welcome the government announcement that
126 megahertz of broadcasting spectrum will be released as a digital
dividend. The digital dividend will be released as a contiguous block of
spectrum in the UHF band, in the frequency range 694 to 820 megahertz. This
spectrum will become available as a result of the switch to digital-only
television and the release of spectrum currently used for analog television.
Digital switchover will be completed in Australia by 31 December 2013.
The Greens have asked the government to estimate the overall
revenue that will be raised by the auctioning of the digital dividend band. We
have asked the government whether any sections of the band will be allocated
for use by the emergency services or by any other non-commercial services. The
Australian Communications and Media Authority should be able to tell us the
commercial value of the 20Mhz requested by the Police Federation of Australia
for use by the emergency services and we think this information would be useful
as the debate unfolds with regards who gets what in the digital dividend.
The Greens believe there are justifiable concerns from those
who questioned the logic of requiring 265 self-help licensees involving around
460 self-help facilities to examine digital terrestrial self-help options
during the period 30 March 2010 to end of January 2011. It was impossible for
such an examination to be undertaken when the equipment necessary for such
endeavours wasn't available in the country. We note the Department's comment
during the inquiry that they are willing to accept the position taken by some
councils in rural and remote areas, who have said they will opt in for the
subsidy (Satellite Subsidy Scheme) but if they subsequently find there a better
terrestrial solution which proves cost effective they will able to implement
that for their communities.
The Greens recognise there has to be a mixture of solutions to
get television to people across Australia. Part of that is satellite, part of
that is terrestrial and the question is how services can be delivered most
effectively. The Greens remain concerned, however, that some viewers may be
forced to receive a VAST service in rural and remote regions before
alternatives have been tested.
The Greens understand that the government may consider
lengthening the timeframe for consideration of self-help solutions and
application for the satellite subsidy scheme. The Greens will seek assurances
from the government that appropriate time for consultation is provided.
Finally, the Greens believe that a review on the impact of
delivery of television services to viewers across Australia but in particular
in regional and remote areas should be undertaken no later than 24 months after
the legislation has been in place.
Senator Scott Ludlam
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