CLP taking action to turn free-to-air television back on in remote communities

$570,000 invested in a three-year pilot program to restore free-to-air television in remote communities. Program has been welcomed by regional councils, who say it will improve digital inclusion, community connection and access to critical information. Up to 90% of households in some remote Territory communities are without access to free-to-air television due to flawed federal Labor government initiative. The Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to deliver on its commitment to restore the Territory lifestyle by restoring free-to-air television access in remote Northern Territory communities through a new $570,000 pilot rebroadcasting program. As part of its commitment to restore the Territory lifestyle, the Government will fund a pilot program through grants to the Central Desert, MacDonnell and Barkly regional councils to reinstate free-to-air television access in remote communities. The three-year grants program will pilot practical, cost-effective solutions to bring free-to-air television back into remote Territory homes. Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne said restoring free-to-air television in remote communities had been a long-standing priority for the CLP Government. “Something as simple as watching television in the comfort of your home should not depend on where you live,” he said. “Every Territorian deserves access to the same free-to air news, emergency information, educational programming, sport and entertainment that people in Darwin, Alice Springs and other major centres enjoy every day. “While broadcasting remains a Commonwealth responsibility – we will continue to call on them to provide a long-term solution – the CLP Government is stepping up, working with councils and communities to provide a way forward and deliver real outcomes on the ground.” When Australia transitioned to digital television in 2013, the federal Labor government introduced Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) without providing any ongoing funding for maintenance. RMIT University’s Mapping the Digital Gap research shows that up to 90% of households in some remote Territory communities have lost access to VAST because of equipment failure in harsh remote conditions and the complexity of operating the service. “Many remote families have been forced to rely on mobile phones and internet to watch television, access news and stay connected – that comes at a cost,” Minister Burgoyne said. “This program is about reducing cost-of-living pressures, making life easier for families and delivering a basic service that many Australians take for granted.” The program will pilot simple, cost-effective technology to retransmit digital television services which will bring television signals straight into homes. Technical and social data will be collected to demonstrate the feasibility of rebroadcasting as an option for restoring television access, which will be used to advocate at the national level for the Commonwealth to resume long-term funding and infrastructure responsibilities for remote broadcasting. Central Desert Regional Council CEO Ilario Sabatino said: “This pilot will test practical delivery models to inform future investment while helping families access trusted news, emergency information, sport and shared entertainment.” MacDonnell Regional Council Deputy CEO/Director Council Services Mr Keith Hassett said: “For remote communities, this is a practical step toward closing the gap in access to basic services. This is local decision-making in action, and council looks forward to working with the Northern Territory Government to make the trial a success for our communities.” Barkly Regional Council CEO Peter Harder said: “Digital inclusivity not only improves liveability and social inclusion but provides access to emergency information and learning opportunities that will strengthen community wellbeing across the Barkly region.” Technical scoping and community engagement will take place over the coming months, with new services expected to be operating by the end of 2026.