Government willing to cut a deal to save media Bills THE Government is clarifying its "no bartering" stance as it negotiates to save battered media reform legislation. What had been interpreted as a "take it or leave it" defiance of critics has become a readiness to consider significant changes to the controversial package. But it still appears doomed with critical independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Craig Thomson declining to back it. The six Bills will be introduced into the House of Representatives this afternoon and between then and tomorrow morning the Government will decide whether to keep fighting - or dump the attempt. When the proposed changes were announced last week Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said: "We are not prepared to barter this Bill." But the minister" office says that related to haggling involving matters other than the media issues. For example, it barred an MP demanding a special deal for an electorate in exchange for support. It did not exclude amendments or splitting the Bills. "We're working on achieving a majority on the floor of the House of Representatives for the package," Senator Conroy said today, referring to last-minute talks. The Greens have suggested they will support the package if the Government limits the number of press councils and tightens the public interest test for media mergers. Another option could be to split the Bills so independents can selectively vote on the bits they like. Liberal Simon Birmingham called for the Government to call on a vote immediately. Can I call upon the Government to put this matter to a vote today? Senator Birmingham said in Canberra. Let's end this debate, rather than seeing it prolonged, and let's test whether the Government really has any support to enact these ridiculous reforms.