(1)   Further to the Minister’s reply to part (2) of question No. 2745, what are the (a) “important constraints” on media ownership concentration in Australia; (b) “legitimate diversification strategies” for traditional and new media platforms; and (c) new services to which consumers would have access.

(2)   Is there a material risk that the “legitimate diversification strategies” available to Australia’s biggest media companies will further concentrate media ownership in Australia and thereby pose a threat to the public interest and our democracy; if so, what are the details of that risk; if not, why not.

(1)   and (2) Since the Honourable Member asked about these matters, the Government has announced a range of media reform measures that it intends to implement in 2006-07. The issues of protection of diversity and media concentration including in regional Australia are discussed in detail in the Government’s announcement “New Media Framework for Australia” of 13 July 2006.