The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, said the government was examining options for the future structure of the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) and the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA).
"Convergence of communications technologies and markets is placing increasing pressure on existing institutional arrangements for sector regulators, and there is merit in considering the integration of the agencies," a government statement said."The current structure of the ABA and ACA has been an effective means of regulating the diverse communications industries. However, changes in industry structures and new technologies mean it is now appropriate to re-examine these arrangements".
Changes to "institutional arrangements" for communications regulation authorities in other countries have lead to the change being considered, the statement said. Apparently the ACA and ABA have indicated they are open to change.
The changes "will not involve significant alterations to the existing regulatory frameworks governing the communications sector", but will focus mainly on institutional considerations.
A detailed proposal for a merger will be developed by the government in conjunction with the ABA and ACA. The proposal will then be weighed up against leaving arrangements as they are before moves to make the changes are made.
...so now when the radio and television stations don't work, you can call the same Telstra Support lines and get no resolution just as if you had telephone problems!