The final Terms of Reference for the Convergence Review have now been announced by Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy
Whilst the final Terms of Reference remain largely similar to the draft terms released in January, some new terms have been added covering subject matter such as international responses to convergence as well as Australia's international commitments
In addition, the preamble now specifically makes reference to the relevance of copyright stating that, “The government recognises that any discussion of the production and distribution of Australian content raises issues of copyright in the digital age. The Review Committee may offer views on copyright and the ongoing protection of content in a converged environment, noting that the Attorney-General will ultimately determine these matters.” The Convergence Review is being undertaken by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and the final report is expected to be delivered by the Convergence Review Committee in the first quarter of 2012
The Terms of Reference and background paper are available from the Department’s website please Click here to view
For more information about this decision, please see: http://www.copyright.org.au/news-and-policy/details/id/1898/ For inquiries relating to copyright law please contact Adam Simpson.