Barnaby Joyce says changes will be made to the media laws package.
Last Update: Monday, October 9, 2006. 10:00am (AEST)

Nationals tie up 'loose ends' on media laws

Nationals leader Mark Vaile has called a meeting with a number of his party colleagues who are concerned about the Government's planned shake-up of media laws.

A Senate inquiry has recommended changes to the proposed legislation, including greater protection for media diversity in regional areas.

The new laws are scheduled for debate today and several Nationals are pushing for the inclusion of minimum requirements for local radio content.

Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce says there will be changes to the Bill.

"It's an important piece of legislation and Mark has a very important role to play," he said.

"Mark will be doing what the leader of the National party does, which is try to coordinate the National party's views and make sure that there are no loose ends in it I imagine."

But Liberal Senator Alan Ferguson is confident the proposed media laws include sufficient safeguards to protect diversity of opinion in rural and regional areas.

"I live in the country and I can see there are a number of safeguards in there now," he said.

"I can see the argument that says there should be more safeguards for some rural areas, particularly the larger rural areas," he said.

"I can understand some people being concerned but the Government is also concerned to make sure that there are safeguards too."