There has been no cut in fiunding for the community radio sector.

In fact, as part of the 2011-12 Budget the Government provided the community broadcasting sector with an additional $12.5 million over fpur years - an increase of 25%.

For digital community radio, the Government provided $13.5 million over four years from 2009-10 to 2012-13 to establish and provide digital radio services.

The Government has also committed to providing $2.2 million in annual ongoing funding to the sector.

In addition, the Government has legislated to ensure the community sector can access the radiofrequency spectrum necessary to provide digital radio services.

The primary source of funding for community broadcasting, however, has always been and should continue to be drawn sponsorship and donations from within those communities, independent of Government support.

The Government is proud to augment this funding, but it should never be seen as a substitute for independent community-sources revenue.

Additional Government funding is subject to budget considerations.