(1)   Did the Minister read the article ‘Coonan’s Salvage Challenge’ in The Australian on 31 May 2005.

(2)   In respect of the assertions in the report that, contrary to the public interest, past media legislative reforms have always been made to protect the interests of the big media moguls, will the Minister ensure that the redrafted Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Bill 2002 will not permit further concentration of media ownership in Australia; if not, why not.

(3)   What is the Minister’s response to the view that the Government should allow free-to-air networks to offer multi-channelling services to consumers and will the Minister act to achieve this; if not, why not.

(4)   What is the Minister’s response to the view that the Government should act to allow a fourth free-to-air television network to be established in Australia and will the Minister act to achieve this; if not, why not.

(5)   What is the Minister’s response to the view that competition must be allowed to flourish in the media rather than being stifled by the Government and can the Minister explain how the Government’s proposed media reforms will promote competition; if not, why not.

(1)   Yes.

(2)   As noted in answers to previous questions by the honourable member on this issue, the Government is currently considering its approach to media ownership reform.

(3)   This matter is one of a number currently under review and the Government will announce its decision at an appropriate time.

(4)   This matter is one of a number that have arisen in the context of the current digital television reviews. The Government will announce its decision on the reviews at an appropriate time.

(5)   The Government is currently considering its approach to media reform issues including those outlined above.