Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support these amendments. We are very supportive of increasing the amount of Australian content on commercial television channels other than the broadcaster's primary or main channel. However, the government also recognises that increased local content requirements will result in increased costs for broadcasters. So the new requirements will be phased in over time in accordance with industry consultation that has already been undertaken.

The government's bill already imposes an Australian content quota on commercial television broadcasters of 55 per cent between 6 am and midnight on their primary channels, as well as separate quotas on multi-channels during these times. This is an important reform. I am very much a supporter of increasing Australian content, and this bill does just that. But it is a matter of striking the right balance and of making sure that the change is affordable and achievable. I believe the government's bill has the balance right, and I commend the bill to the House. I again indicate that the government will not be supporting these amendments.

See this speech in context