Poor television reception around Cowper electorate raised in the Federal Parliament

December 5, 2008

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker has raised in the Federal Parliament the issue of poor television in the electorate of Cowper.

Speaking on legislation regarding the conversion of analogue television to the digital network, Mr Hartsuyker took the opportunity to highlight the poor reception which some households currently receive.

“I would like to add my voice to my National Party colleagues in relation to the issue of availability of television reception for people in regional and rural areas,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“Certainly the area I represent is hardly remote – it has very large centres – but one of the concerns that many people around Coffs Harbour have is that, despite the size of the city, there are large areas where you cannot get high quality television reception and this legislation certainly does nothing to improve that situation.

 

“It is incumbent on the government to provide access for all Australians to quality TV reception. It is a very important medium. People who are conducting commerce need TV reception to be adequate in their area,” Mr Hartsuyker told the Parliament.

 

“We certainly do not have that around Coffs Harbour at the moment, or in a range of areas in the electorate of Cowper.

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the digital network legislation currently before the Federal Parliament could see the problem extend to many more families in regional areas

 

“This legislation, as it is currently drafted, has the potential to disadvantage many people around Australia. Its impact is certainly of grave concern to me and my National Party colleagues,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

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