Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson is more fearful than ever about the future of television services under the Rudd Labor Government, following a letter from the office of Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Last year the Rudd Labor Government announced that viewers in digital black spots would be able to access digital television through a new satellite service. In response, Mr Baldwin sent Mr Conroy a letter in January on behalf of residents residing in black spots including Boat Harbour, Fisherman’s Bay, Smith’s Lake, Elizabeth Beach, Bluey’s Beach, Stroud, Dungog, North Arm Cove, Pindimar and Coomba Park.

“I want to know some simple things such as when the new satellite service will be rolled out in the Paterson electorate, and whether this service will deliver the same level of local content currently available,” said Mr Baldwin.

“Obviously, my constituents deserve a guarantee that they will receive clear, uninterrupted digital reception under this satellite service before the Rudd Labor Government has analogue transmission switched off permanently,” said Mr Baldwin.

Mr Baldwin received a reply yesterday, almost 2 months after his letter was sent.

“Mr Conroy didn’t even bother to respond to my inquiry on this important matter himself, instead having a staff member write to me,” said Mr Baldwin.

“Mr Conroy’s office could not give me a date when the satellite service would be rolled out in the Paterson electorate, or even in New South Wales.

“To make matters worse, Mr Conroy’s office could not explain whether the local channels we currently receive will still be available, admitting that further discussions need to be held regarding local news, sport and weather.

“No wonder Mr Conroy cancelled an on-air debate on this issue, which was scheduled to take place last week, live on local radio.

“Mr Conroy’s silence is the clearest sign yet that this scheme has been rushed, has many holes, and will likely leave regional viewers with blank screens.

“This simply is not good enough and I will continue to fight the Rudd Labor Government to ensure it delivers what it has promised on this issue,” said Mr Baldwin.