Repackaging reform in the media sector in Australia

On 6 May 2017, in the lead up to the 2017-18 Australian Commonwealth Budget, the Government announced a consolidated package of reforms for the Australian media sector. Many of the reforms included in the package have either previously been announced (for example, the changes to media ownership laws) or have long been considered (for example, the review of support for Australian and children's content was first floated shortly after the 2013 Federal election).

The Government has obtained industry support for this consolidated package. The Government believes it is more likely to secure support in the Australian Senate for this consolidated reform package than if elements of the package were pursued separately. The Australian Labor Party and the Greens have already indicated concerns with some of the reforms and therefore support from the remaining minor parties and independents in the Senate will be critical for the passage of the necessary legislation.