Jacqui Lambie explodes over decision that could prevent millions of Australians from watching sport on free-to-air TV

Jacqui Lambie has launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government over proposed amendments to anti-siphoning laws which jeopardize access to free sport.

The Communications Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 currently prevents companies like Apple, Amazon and Disney from purchasing exclusive “broadcast rights” to Australia’s most popular sports, including the AFL, NRL and Olympic Games.

But the government is currently considering a new bill that would protect free access to sport for Australians with overhead television.

This means millions of Australians who watch sport on free video-on-demand services like 7plus, 10play and 9Now could be blocked from watching their favorite sports.

And speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Lambie called the proposed change a “big deal”, insisting Australians had the right to “see what’s free”.

This could mean millions of Australians won’t be able to enjoy free live sport

“We are already seeing this with Amazon purchasing exclusive rights to ICC cricket tournaments, including the upcoming Cricket World Cup,” she said.

“You shouldn’t need a subscription to watch Australian sport! Is the government really suggesting you need to get paid to watch Australian sport?

Lambie said broadcasters who show sport for free should be given first refusal before being offered to companies like Netflix and Amazon.

“The bill prevents subscription services like Amazon, Apple and Disney from purchasing exclusive streaming rights, but it does not guarantee the availability of free coverage for the growing number of Australians who rely on the internet for free television,” she said.

Networks including Seven, Nine and Ten have taken part in the movement, launching a new advertising campaign called Free Sport Is On The Line to pressure the Government into changing potential changes to the bill.

“It must recognize that the way people watch sport is changing and extend the amendments to the anti-siphoning regime to include free streaming,” said Jeff Howard, managing director and chief executive of Seven West Media.

“(The problem) is very simple, the bill only guarantees free sports to Australians who have an antenna. This does not guarantee that people will enjoy the sport for free if they choose to stream it on the Internet.

“No antenna will mean no access to free sport… Time is running out, as people increasingly use the internet to watch sport they will have to pay unless the government acts now.”