Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

A spontaneous desire! We do not operate a command and control operation on this side of the chamber. We let freedom reign. I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the contributions of my colleagues. They were light-hearted, pertinent and also provided the opportunity to canvass some other issues in the area of broadcasting policy, as Senator Canavan did. So I thank my colleagues for their contributions.

This bill, the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Primary Television Broadcasting Service) Bill 2015, as has been well canvassed by my colleagues, seeks to amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to provide the national and commercial free-to-air broadcasters with the flexibility to deliver programming on their primary television broadcasting services in either standard-definition or high-definition formats. And what a good thing that is. This proposal will enable broadcasters to innovate and evolve their services to incorporate new technologies, ensuring they continue to remain relevant in a changing media environment. Changing media environments is a point that Minister Turnbull talks about a lot—and what a good person to have as the chief steward in that area of policy.

This initiative does sit squarely with our deregulation work program. It does reinforce our commitment to removing unnecessary red tape and outdated regulations that hamper industry from providing the services that respond to audience preferences.

I know that it is no surprise to you, Mr Acting Deputy President, that many Australians expect that premium free-to-air programming should be provided in high definition, especially of events such as live sports. The bill clearly responds to consumer expectations and is strongly supported by free-to-air broadcasters. It provides them with the flexibility to televise upcoming events such as this year's AFL and NRL grand finals in high definition, should those broadcasters choose to do so. I think that is the really important point here: this is an example of government getting out of the way. We are not dictating what should happen, but we are getting out of the way, allowing broadcasters the freedom and the capacity to respond to consumer demand and desire. This is a good piece of legislation. I do not think there will be any colleagues who will not be supportive of this bill. I look across at Senator Ludlam and he is smiling and giving the thumbs up. So I think this is, indeed, a moment of unity in this place and I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.