The closure of the Mildura Digital Television service will now be the subject of a Senate inquiry.

Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman said the Coalition had successfully fought to establish the inquiry, after the shutdown of Network Ten programs in Mildura on 30 June.

“The inquiry will examine legislation which the Albanese Government tried to rush through Parliament just days after ending of programs by the owners of the MDT service,” Mr Coleman said.

“The Government’s solution was to pass a special law to allow locals to spend around $800 to connect to a satellite service so they could keep watching one network’s programs.

“During Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, this is not a great solution for the people of Mildura.

“The closure also highlights the struggles now being faced by regional networks.

“All the leading Australian television Chief Executives wrote to the Prime Minister about the upcoming closure of Network Ten in Mildura.  In that letter, obtained by the Coalition, the CEOs pleaded with the Government to provide relief from the Commercial Broadcasting Tax.

“The Coalition committed last year to abolish the tax as part of its proposed reforms of gambling advertising laws. Scrapping the CBT would allow regional broadcasters – who are disproportionately affected by this impost – to reinvest in their local businesses. Without reform of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax, it is very likely that Mildura Digital Television will not be the last station to close.”

Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, is calling for the Senate inquiry to hold a hearing in Mildura so that it can hear first-hand how the closure of MDT is affecting local communities.

“The former Federal Labor Government hailed Mildura as a trailblazer when we were the first in the nation to switch on digital television,” Dr Webster said.

“Now this Albanese Labor Government have presided over the dishonour of a major local digital television signal switching off.

“Rather than a tin-ear option for Sunraysia residents to spend $800 to keep watching Ten, Labor senators should be all ears, flying to Mildura to hear in-person from affected viewers and stakeholders on the impact this decision will have.

“Mildura will not be the first regional digital TV shutdown, unless there is a significant intervention from the Prime Minister.”