Regional access to news and the arts up for discussion at Melbourne hearing

ARTS and broadcasting groups will address the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts next week in Melbourne for its inquiry into broadcasting, online content and live production to rural and regional Australia.

Committee Chairman the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP said the Committee will build on the valuable evidence already received at its hearings in Sydney and Canberra, when it hears from groups in Melbourne. It looks forward to learning from the perspectives that these groups will provide based on their Victorian and broader regional experience in arts and media matters.

“The Committee believes that while rural and regional Australians face a number of challenges, they should not have to compromise on access to reliable news services and emergency broadcasts, and to quality arts performances. These services are vital to these communities where almost a third of Australians live,” Mrs Bishop said.

Public hearing details
Date: Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Time: 10.00am to 3.15pm
Location: Parliament of Victoria, Room G3
55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne, Victoria
Live webcast (audio only)

Hearing program:
10.00am - Live Performance Australia (Submission 25)
10.45am - Regional Arts Victoria (Submission 1)
11.30am - Australian National Theatre Live (Submission 52)
12.00pm - Lunch break
12.30pm - ACE Radio (Submission 15)
1.00pm - Deakin University (Submission 19)
1.30pm - Australian Children’s Television Foundation (Submission 29)
2.00pm - National and State Libraries Australasia (Submission 38)
2.30pm - Screen Australia
3.15pm - Finish

For further background information, including programs for the hearing and copies of submissions, please visit the Committee website www.aph.gov.au/communications

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