Press release from Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Government receives final report of the Convergence Review
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has received the final report of the Convergence Review officially marking the end of this landmark review of Australia's media and communications regulation.
“At a time of significant structural change brought about by digital switchover, the advent of new technologies and the rollout of the National Broadband Network, the work of the Convergence Review will be of particular importance in positioning Australia's communications and media sector to meet the digital future,” Senator Conroy said.
In late 2010, the Gillard Government announced a review to examine the policy and regulatory frameworks that apply to the converged media and communications landscape in Australia. It announced the formation of an independent committee to conduct the review in early 2011.
“I would like to thank Committee Chair Glen Boreham and his colleagues Louise McElvogue and Malcolm Long for their efforts in this highly complex area of reform,” Senator Conroy said.
Senator Conroy said in undertaking the review the Convergence Review Committee consulted with key industry leaders and organisations, received over 340 written submissions and 28,000 comments and undertook an in-person consultation programme across Australia.
“The Government will consider the findings of the Review ahead of releasing it publicly by late April.
“The Government will formally respond to the Review later in the year and will seek to begin delivering reforms during the course of 2012.”