Member for Paterson Bob Baldwin is calling on the Rudd Labor Government to guarantee reliable and quality digital television reception, as the date for the analogue switch-off draws near.
“While the Rudd Labor Government spends millions of taxpayer dollars advertising its new digital network, families could be left high and dry,” said Mr Baldwin.
Mr Baldwin has been inundated with phone calls, emails and letters from angry local residents who cannot access clear digital television reception.
“Repeated television and newspaper ads are telling people to get ready, to go out and purchase a digital TV.
“But dozens of people in my electorate have gone out and spent thousands, only to get their new TVs home and discover they cannot receive clear, free-to-air reception.
“At the moment residents are able to switch back to analogue, but what happens when that is no longer an option?”
Mr Baldwin is extremely concerned that when the analogue network is shut down some households across Paterson could be left with no reception whatsoever.
“There is currently a digital transmitter at Gan Gan which I fought hard for, however those at Stroud, Booral, Forster, Smiths Lake and Blueys Beach are all still analogue.
“Instead of wasting millions of advertising dollars asking people to get ready for a digital network which isn’t ready, why doesn’t the Rudd Labor Government spend our money on upgrades which will actually make a difference?
“More than $2 billion was set aside by the previous Coalition Government in a Communication Fund to secure the future of services in regional areas, but this has been raided by Kevin Rudd.”
The Rudd Labor Government says around 100 of 600 existing transmission sites will eventually be upgraded to provide digital access, while those who don’t obtain upgrades will receive their services via satellite.
“The Rudd Labor Government must deliver what it has promised and put clear digital services on the television screens of Australians.
“Kevin Rudd certainly knows how to talk the talk, but it remains to be seen whether he can walk the walk.”
