Cabinet Reshuffle Sees Anika Wells Pick Up Communications Portfolio

Federal Sports Ministry, Anika Wells, has picked up the communications portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle, making her presence even more important for sports administrators.

In addition to the newly acquired portfolio, Wells will continue her role of the Minister for Sport and Aged Care, which she stepped into in 2022.

Commenting on her appointment, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said that it’s appropriate due to the approaching 2032 Olympics.

“Anika has played a really important role in getting that together, so that will be an important part of her remit,” Albanese said.

“I’ve got people I think who are in the best positions.”

“I think we’ve got the right people in the right places,” he said.

In her added responsibilities, which she acquired from Michelle Rowland, Wells will look at key areas outlined by Free TV Australia, including anti-siphoning laws, removing the commercial broadcasting tax, implementing prominence, regulating digital platforms and supporting the viability of regional and remote broadcasting services.

Currently, anti-siphoning laws prioritise commercial free-to-air broadcasters including Nine, Seven, Ten, ABC and SBS when it comes to events on the anti-siphoning list.

The event list includes:

• Summer and Winter Olympic Games
• AFL Finals
• NRL Finals
• Various national team events
• Motorsport

Free TV Australia’s focus on strengthening anti-siphoning laws comes at a crucial time, not only due to Wells’ appointment, but also due to the rise of streaming giants that putting focus on sports streaming, which can be conveniently packaged into existing subscriptions.

For this reason there has been reviews into streaming services, where proposed changes have focused on ensuring digital access for free-to-air viewers.

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