Policy F3: Media and Communications

1.      freedom of the press and effective, affordable and accessible media and communications systems are integral to the functioning of a successful democratic society.

2.      all Australians should be able to access a variety of affordable telecommunications.

3.      media diversity in content and format is a right of all Australians.

4.      strong, independent public and community media are an essential part of Australia’s media sector.

5.      Australian content should be strongly supported and well funded.

6.      Australia must have an independent regulatory framework for media, communications and advertising.

7.      public ownership of essential communications infrastructure is in the best interests of society.

8.      network neutrality is important for an open internet.

9.      access to public documents should not require the purchase of additional software.

10. the government should lead by example and embrace open source and open standards.

11. diversity of opinion and ownership of media across Australia.

12. our public broadcasters ABC and SBS to be leaders in independent news, analysis and innovative programming and delivery.

13. the ABC and the SBS to be governed by independent boards.

14. high quality Australian content across all media genres.

15. a vibrant community media sector.

16. Australian film, television and new media sectors which are dynamic and innovative.

17. all Australians to have access to community radio services that reflect geographical and cultural diversity.

18. affordable and reliable high speed internet connections available for all Australians.

19. independent regulation of media, communications and advertising.

20. Australia Post to remain a publicly owned monopoly provider of postal services.

21. the equitable installation of new communications infrastructure across Australia.

22. government information, both internal and external, to be made available in a format that is accessible by all, and is not restricted by the need to purchase additional software.

23. electronic government documents to be saved in an open document standard.

24. government to be an active proponent and contributor to open standard forums.

25. repeal those parts of the Broadcasting Services Act which reduce diversity of media ownership and opinion within Australia.

26. ensure diversity of ownership and opinion by introducing a media-specific public interest test to guide Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decisions on proposed mergers and acquisitions of media entities.

27. strengthen diversity of media ownership by giving the ACCC the power to enforce the divestment of merged media companies where those mergers fail a media-specific public interest test.

28. increase diversity of opinion by issuing additional radio licences and a fourth commercial TV license, prior to the analogue switchover.

29. provide sustainable funding for community broadcasting, including the change to digital technology.

30. make funding to the SBS and the ABC comparable to current per capita funding models for public broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

31. require the online services of the ABC and the SBS to be major portal sites for the promotion of Australian content in all genres.

32. expand the services provided by the ABC, including digital on demand and additional networks.

33. ensure appointments to the boards of public broadcasters are subject to approval by the Parliament.

34. reinstate the staff-appointed position on the ABC Board.

35. empower the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)  to regulate broadcast advertising.

36. legislate to ensure truth in political advertising.

37. introduce a ban on junk food advertising during children’s television viewing hours.

38. subject the installation of communications infrastructure, including mobile phone towers, to existing state and territory local government planning provisions.

39. introduce a nationally consistent approach to the regulated sale of X-rated material.

40. ensure free-to-air coverage of sporting events of national significance.

41. legislate to protect individuals from vexatious and malicious defamation actions to ensure a wide range of participation in public debates.

42. legislate for the protection of anonymous journalistic sources to ensure press freedom.

43. increase research funding into the opportunities for Australian content and utilization of new digital media.