Introduction
- Contents
- Foreword
- 1: The role of national broadcasting
- 2: Harnessing new technologies to deliver services
- 3: Informing and entertaining Australians
- 4: Education, skills and productivity
- 5: Social inclusion and cultural diversity
- 6: Presenting Australia to the world
- 7: Efficient delivery of services
- Appendix A: Submissions Process
- Appendix B: Overview of the ABC and SBS
- Appendix C: The Changing Digital Environment
Purpose of this discussion paper
Australia has two national broadcasters: the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Each has an important place in Australia's public life, with broad mandates that are set in legislation by the Parliament.
The need to strategically examine the activities and operations of Australia's national broadcasters was explicitly acknowledged during the Australia 2020 Summit. Participants advanced a wide range of ideas relevant to the future of the ABC and SBS. The Final Report of the Australia 2020 Summit can be found at 
www.australia2020.gov.au
This discussion paper outlines some of the key issues facing national broadcasting on the path to 2020. These issues are grouped into seven sections. Each section concludes with questions to guide submitters, although people making submissions should not feel constrained by these questions.
The public submissions process is designed to inform the Australian Government's future policy and funding decisions in relation to the ABC and SBS.
This paper aims to assist in stimulating ideas and comments about the future of the national broadcasters. Nothing in this paper is intended to indicate a preference by the Australian Government for any particular outcome or model.
Submissions
Detailed information about the submissions process can be found at Appendix A.
The Department's preferred method for the receipt of submissions is via the online form. The online form allows for submissions of up to 1000 words in length.
An overview of the ABC and SBS is at Appendix B to this paper. An outline of emerging technologies and trends for media and broadcasting in the changing digital environment is at Appendix C.
