Speaking at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast, Rudd became the first prime minister to open the event in its 39 year history.

Rudd says consumers’ habits are changing as people increasingly access news and information through alternate media outlets such as email and the internet, which is creating challenges for print media.

Rudd told conference delegates, “The corollary of this shift online is a change in the way in which news is created and the way in which news is consumed. You know better than most that this change represents challenges to traditional media, including newspapers.”

He also said while the recent closure of the Bulletin magazine after 128 years was evidence of the great changes which are now afoot, the newspaper industry is still helping to maintain Australia’s democracy.

Rudd said, “I want to congratulate Panpa’s ongoing efforts in fostering innovation and professional development within the newspaper industry – for one single reason, and that is, the state of newspapers is central to the health of Australia’s democracy. It still remains one of its principal arteries.”

While Rudd’s speech touched on a number of topics including, education, defence and climate change he said his government applauded the leadership being shown by many media organisations on reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable business practices.

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