Local residents and sporting clubs in Werriwa are encouraged to have their say as part of a public consultation into the future of Australia’s anti-siphoning scheme to ensure that they continue to have the opportunity to enjoy free coverage of events of national significance.

The anti-siphoning scheme aims to give free-to-air broadcasters an initial opportunity to buy the television rights to major events included on the anti-siphoning list.

The list includes key sporting events across the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, AFL, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, tennis, netball, motorsports, horse racing and cricket.

“I know how important access to free coverage of significant events is for our community. All Australians should be able to see these broadcasts, not just those who can afford them,” said Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley.

The scheme prevents subscription television broadcasters from acquiring the right to televise an event on the anti-siphoning list unless a free-to-air television broadcaster has a right.

“Subscription-based services make a valuable contribution to Australia’s media market, but not everyone can afford to pay for sport,” said Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP.

The public consultation is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to media reform and will inform the development of a new anti-siphoning list. The current list will expire in April 2023.

The review will also assess the operation of the scheme in the contemporary media environment. The consultation paper outlines a number of issues for consideration, including:

  • the objective of the scheme and the mechanism for achieving this objective;
  • the acquisition of media rights by streaming services and other online services;
  • the regulatory rule that sits at the heart of the scheme;
  • the use and disposal of the rights to televise events on the list;
  • information disclosure and gathering arrangements; and
  • the composition of the list.

“I am proud to support this process that ensures the views of grassroots sporting clubs and community groups in Werriwa are represented in government decision-making,” Ms Stanley said.

“Please contact my office for assistance with making a submission.”

Consultation closes on Tuesday, 6 December 2022.

To make a submission visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/anti-siphoning- scheme-review