Media releases

Charting the course for a diverse and sustainable news sector The Albanese Government is investing $180.5 million to deliver on its commitment to support local news and community broadcasting, today launching the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) and announcing additional funding for community b

New appointment to the SBS Board The Albanese Government has appointed Dr Nicholas Pappas AM as a non-executive Director on the SBS Board for a five-year term.  

Albanese Government welcomes report of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review The Albanese Government welcomes the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report which sets out recommendations to further improve connectivity for regional, rural and remote communities.

Albanese Government to establish News Bargaining Incentive The Albanese Government will establish the News Bargaining Incentive to ensure large digital platforms contribute to the sustainability of news media in Australia.

Free public Wi-Fi in remote communities Fifteen remote First Nations communities are benefitting from free community-wide Wi-Fi thanks to a $20 million program by the Albanese Government to boost connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

Moving forward on First Nations digital inclusion The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion.

Public views sought for BetStop review The Australian Government is seeking input from industry, harm reduction advocates and users to inform the first statutory review of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register. 

SBS to expand to Western Sydney Western Sydney will become home to a new Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) production hub, thanks to an Albanese Government investment to commence the expansion of the network’s capacity and reach.

More funding to support advocacy to keep broadband affordable The Albanese Government is delivering additional funding to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) to further its work in representing the interests of telco consumers, in line with its commitment in the 2024-25 Budget

Community views sought for free Wi-Fi program in First Nations communities The Albanese Labor Government is seeking input from communities to help bridge the digital divide for First Nations people living in regional and remote communities.

Better protections for Australians from SMS scams The Albanese Government is cracking down on SMS scams by implementing a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register (the Register).

Social media reforms to protect our kids online pass Parliament The Albanese Government has delivered on its commitment to support parents and protect young people by setting a minimum age of 16 years for social media, with legislation passing Parliament today.

Supporting regional television for audiences and broadcasters The Albanese Government has delivered legislation that enables continued access to television broadcasting services in remote and regional Australia. 

New grants supporting journalism to keep Australians informed The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to bolster public interest journalism with applications now open for the $15 million News Media Relief Program (NMRP).   

New Director of the Classification Board appointed The Albanese Government has appointed Mr Steven Thomson as Director of the Classification Board for a 2-year term.