Notice given 16 February 2012

1557  Senator Ludlam: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities ( transferred to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on 22 February 2012) —With reference to the Radiocommunications Class Licence for wireless audio devices:

(1) Once a decision has been made in respect to changes to the class licence, how would typical users of wireless audio equipment, such as a teacher, priest, aerobics instructor, guitarist or small businessperson, find out exactly what spectrum the device they own uses.

(2) Based on the department’s current modelling, how many wireless audio devices will become:

(a) non-compliant with the class licence; and

(b) unusable due to digital restack.

(3) Does the department have any advice as to whether there will be sufficient new stock of compliant wireless audio devices in Australia to replace all of the non-compliant devices prior to the switchover date.

(4) What is the expected economic impact on Australia if the current fleet of wireless audio devices is not replaced.

(5) What will the typical user’s options be if their wireless audio device is no longer compliant.

(6) What kind of compliance action would typical users of wireless audio equipment be open to if they fail to replace their non-compliant equipment prior to the amendment of the class licence.

(7) Has the department increased its budget for compliance enforcement in respect to wireless audio devices for the period following the changeover date.