This bill became law on Apr 8th, 2024.
Transport & communications
Community TV stations Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Melbourne and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Adelaide can keep broadcasting past 30 June 2024 instead of automatically losing their licences on that date.
A fixed 30 June 2024 licence expiry would have forced Melbourne’s Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Adelaide’s Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. off air before ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. decided whether their spectrum was needed for something else. The bill removes that shutdown date and lets ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. set a later end date with at least 12 months’ notice.
Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Melbourne and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Adelaide were already operating under a law that would have ended their terrestrial community television licences on 30 June 2024, even though ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. had not yet decided whether the spectrum needed to be reassigned. The bill was introduced to remove that fixed shutdown date, Parliament passed it in March 2024, and after Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. the stations could stay on air until ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. identifies another use for the spectrum and gives at least 12 months' notice.
The main criticism was that the bill mostly delays the problem instead of giving community television a stable long-term future, leaving Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. facing ongoing uncertainty about spectrum, support and their eventual shutdown. That case was raised most clearly by Coalition senator Sarah Henderson, while broader parliamentary debate otherwise showed little opposition to keeping the stations on air.
Hon Michelle Rowland MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 08 Apr 2024
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
Members called out ‘aye’ or ‘no’ — no individual votes were recorded.
Passage speed
53 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Community TV stations Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Melbourne and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Adelaide can keep broadcasting past 30 June 2024 instead of automatically losing their licences on that date.
The Australian Communications and Media AuthorityThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. can later decide that this broadcast spectrum should be used for something else, rather than locking in a fixed shutdown date now.
Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. must get at least 12 months' notice before their terrestrial broadcasts end, because the law requires two separate six-month waiting periods.
Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date.'s broadcasting licence will end at the same time as its apparatus licenceThe transmitters licence that lets the stations use spectrum to broadcast over the air., which helps stop ongoing licence charges or taxes after broadcasts cease.
Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. can be covered by one community television code of practice, letting the Australian Community Television AllianceThe peak body that can help make one code of practice for both stations under the amended law. set a single rulebook for both stations.
Repeal the 30 June 2024 expiry date for the apparatus licences (currently legislated in the RA) of the existing terrestrial community broadcasting television services within the prescribed area (that is, C31 and C44) so that these licensees can continue to provide community television beyond that date.Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) explanatory memorandum
(1) The ACMA may, by notifiable instrument, declare that the parts of the spectrum used as mentioned in subsection 96A(1) are to be made available for alternative uses.Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) as-passed bill text
This two-tiered approach is the most effective way to ensure the two licensees can continue offering terrestrial community television services into the future until there is a decision about the use of the spectrum. It offers certainty to stakeholders—licensees and viewers alike—by providing a minimum of 12 months' notice to Channel 31 and Channel 44 to transition away from terrestrial broadcasting when an alternative use for the spectrum has been declared. Furthermore, industry will be consulted during this decision-making process. The government recognises there should be a well-managed transition, and the legislated minimum 12 month notice period combined with industry consultation acknowledges this.Minister's second reading speech
Cancel C31’s broadcasting services licence at the same time as the apparatus licences to ensure that the licensee is not inadvertently subject to ongoing licence charges or taxes.Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) explanatory memorandum
Harmonise the Code of Practice regime for community television by bringing both existing community television service operators in the prescribed area under the definition of the “same section of industry” (as per section 123 of the BSA). This will allow the development and registration of one Code of Practice by the peak community television body, the Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) to cover C31 and C44.Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) explanatory memorandum
Context
Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Melbourne and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. in Adelaide were already operating under a law that would have ended their terrestrial community television licences on 30 June 2024, even though ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. had not yet decided whether the spectrum needed to be reassigned. The bill was introduced to remove that fixed shutdown date, Parliament passed it in March 2024, and after Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. the stations could stay on air until ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. identifies another use for the spectrum and gives at least 12 months' notice.
Bill introduced to avert the 30 June 2024 shutdown
The government introduced the bill to stop Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. automatically losing their terrestrial licences on 30 June 2024 before ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. had decided whether the spectrum was needed for another use.
Hansard ↗House passes the bill
The House of Representatives passed the bill, advancing the plan to replace the fixed licence end date with an ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop.-led process tied to future spectrum decisions.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
The Senate passed the bill and completed parliamentary approval, clearing the way for the two stations to continue broadcasting beyond the June 2024 deadline.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. keeps community television on air past June 2024
Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into law so the stations could remain on air until ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. later declares the spectrum unavailable and the required notice periods expire.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill mostly delays the problem instead of giving community television a stable long-term future, leaving Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. facing ongoing uncertainty about spectrum, support and their eventual shutdown. That case was raised most clearly by Coalition senator Sarah Henderson, while broader parliamentary debate otherwise showed little opposition to keeping the stations on air.
Criticism focused on certainty and consultation, not on opposing community television itself.
Delays rather than resolves the issue
Critics argued the bill mainly postpones a final decision instead of giving community television a clear long-term future, leaving the stations with continued uncertainty about spectrum access and what happens next. They said the sector needed clarity and support rather than another temporary reprieve.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will keep community television stations in Melbourne and Adelaide on air while giving the ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. a flexible framework for any future spectrum change.
Read in Hansard ↗James Stevens says the coalition supports the bill because it gives Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. more security and protects the community television service they provide.
Read in Hansard ↗Thwaites supports the bill and says it delivers on Labor's commitment to keep Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. on air.
Read in Hansard ↗Zappia supports the bill and says it keeps Channels 31 and 44 operating, which he sees as vital for community broadcasting, local news, cultural diversity, and democratic debate.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
7 speakers · 8 contributions · 6 support · 1 unclear
“We recognise the importance of this service, and that's why it's so important that this bill is before us today. It reverses the coalition's attempt to send the remaining community TV stations in Melbourne and Adelaide off air in June this year. We will support them to continue to serve their diverse communities. This bill repeals the legislated expiry date for channels 31 and 44, removing the deadline that was legislated by the former Liberal-National government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So, for all of those reasons, community broadcasting is, I believe, fundamental and so important. It's why it was brought in in the first place many, many years ago, and it's sad that we only have two stations that are still operating. The previous government, as other speakers have noted, would have been happy to see those close down as well. This legislation does the opposite; it keeps those two television stations going. But, just as importantly, if for some reason the licences need to be terminated, the legislation provides adequate notice and an adequate time to transition out. For all of those reasons, I think this legislation is important. Keeping those stations alive and going is important. I commend the minister for her support of this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It gives me great pleasure today to speak on the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024, a bill that has come to fruition through the Albanese Labor government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michelle Rowland on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Minister's second reading speech
Michelle Rowland supports the bill, saying it will keep community television stations in Melbourne and Adelaide on air while giving the ACMAThe regulator that will decide when the stations can keep using the spectrum and when they must stop. a flexible framework for any future spectrum change. She says the amendments provide certainty, a managed transition, and a simpler code-making arrangement for the two licensees.
“The two licensees (Channel 31 and Channel 44), the community broadcasting peak body (CBAA) and the ACMA were consulted and are supportive of these amendments, as they recognise this is a good outcome for all. I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Rowland supports the bill, saying it keeps Channel 31The Melbourne community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. and Channel 44The Adelaide community television service that the bill lets keep broadcasting past the old expiry date. on air while giving the regulator flexibility to manage future spectrum use and a smoother transition if the services eventually have to move online. She presents it as a practical way to provide certainty for the stations and streamline regulation.
“The bill replaces the existing reliance on fixed expiry dates with a new framework that affords the broadcasting industry and government flexibility to respond to as yet undetermined future uses of spectrum, while allowing Channel 31 and Channel 44 to have confidence in their own forward planning and decision-making.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The Albanese Government is committed to keeping these community television stations in Melbourne and Adelaide on air until an alternative use for the radiofrequency spectrum they currently use is realised. This Bill will legislate to achieve this outcome by removing the current expiry date of 30 June 2024. It will create a new framework that reasserts the objectives of broadcasting and radiocommunications policy and the role industry and its regulator, the ACMA, have to play in assessing the possible uses of the last available high-power television channel—the so-called 'sixth channel'.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is not about getting rid of community television; this bill is about giving transparency and security in the future of community television.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Labor has a proud legacy of supporting community TV, and for years we have stood shoulder to shoulder with the sector fighting to keep them on air. This reform will enable community TV to thrive for many years to come. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 2 support · 1 mixed
“The future of community stations hinges on proper consultation and negotiation, yet the government's lack of engagement with stakeholders is very disappointing. Why hasn't there been meaningful collaboration with community television stations and the telecommunications industry? Why do community TV stations continue to operate in a state of uncertainty? The Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024, while aiming to extend the deadline for community television stations, ultimately fails to provide the certainty these stations need. The can is kicked down the road, in other words.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition supports this bill. I reiterate my great appreciation to Channel 44 for what they do to serve the Adelaide community. They provide a vital service and, in particular, that connectivity in a more traditional way, through broadcast television of important community events, which means that people that have been disconnected in different ways, such as through COVID, are able to stay connected in a way that would not be possible without Channel 44. So thank you to them for what they do and provide. With that, I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition won't be standing in the way of passage of this bill and will support it. We would have liked to have seen the government deal with this issue more quickly and in a more competent fashion, but we will not oppose this legislation and will support its passage through the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
