Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that community television services Channel 31 Melbourne and Geelong and Channel 44 Adelaide provide valuable programs and services to the community, including:

(i) local news,

(ii) grassroots multicultural, sporting and arts activities,

(iii) training opportunities for journalists and screen practitioners, including in partnership with universities,

(iv) support for small businesses and not-for-profits, and

(v) live to air broadcasts of religious services for older audiences without internet access;

(b) recognises that, consistent with the objects of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, community television:

(i) plays an important role in reflecting Australian identity, character and cultural diversity,

(ii) provides program material that is locally significant, and

(iii) contributes to the diversity of broadcasting services available to the Australian public;

(c) further recognises that, consistent with the objects of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, community television assists to:

(i) maximise the overall public benefit derived from using the radiofrequency spectrum, and

(ii) ensure the efficient allocation and use of the spectrum;

(d) notes that there is no planned alternative use for the spectrum until 2025 at the earliest; and

(e) calls on the Federal Government to extend the licences so Channel 31 and Channel 44 may remain on air.

Question agreed to.