Morrison announces Paul Fletcher as new Communications Minister

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed his new parliamentary cabinet, with changes in several roles including Communications.

Paul Fletcher has been announced as the new Federal Minister for Communications, Cybersafety and the Arts in the Morrison Government.

He replaces Mitch Fifield, departs the cabinet for a role as Australia’s ambassador to the United Nations.

CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner welcomed the appointment of Fletcher.

“The industry congratulates Minister Fletcher on his appointment. We enjoyed working with the new Minister when he was the Parliamentary Secretary to Malcolm Turnbull in 2015 and look forward to working closely with him once again.”

Fletcher’s previous roles included serving as the Minister for Families and Social Services, while he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications under Malcolm Turnbull.

Warner said the industry is keen to continue discussions over government support to enable regional broadcasters to transition to digital broadcasting.

“Australian radio reaches 95% of the population and plays an essential role in providing local news, information and entertainment.

“Local broadcasters, particularly those serving listeners in regional areas, need to be able to compete on a more level playing field with the global digital giants, who are largely unregulated and pay little tax in this country.

“We will be looking to meet soon with Minister Fletcher to discuss a broad range of policy issues impacting on commercial radio including the regulatory inequalities that exist between commercial
radio and the digital platforms.

“This includes the removal of the outdated election advertising blackout rule, stronger protections for the removal of copyright infringing material and other issues outlined in the ACCC inquiry.”