Status of Media reform, page-5

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Fifield close to media reform breakthrough with crossbench

• The Australian
• 12:00AM September 11, 2017

A breakthrough on the media reform bill deadlock could be announced as early as today after a series of tense conference calls over the weekend that has seen the historic package go down to the wire.

Senator Fifield was locked in talks with the NXT late last night over the scheme. The government has scheduled the media reform bill for debate today.

In a statement sent to media, Senator Fifield struck an optimistic note on negotiations that marked a distinct shift in tone from more cautious recent comments.

“I have had a number of positive conversations with crossbench colleagues over recent days. I am hopeful that agreement can be reached to enable passage of this vital legislation this week,” Senator Fifield said.
Senate Xenophon’s communications spokesman, Stirling Griff, said the new package was “very well thought-out” and “balanced”.