This bill became law on Dec 10th, 2024.
Transport & communications
Regional viewers can get the VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite backup service when free-to-air commercial TV services in their area fall short, instead of missing out because of the old service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared..
An outdated service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared. left some regional viewers unable to get VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite backup even when a commercial TV network stopped broadcasting terrestrially. The bill lets ACMAThe regulator that decides whether an area counts as service deficient and can change the channel plans that make shared transmission work. declare those areas service-deficient more flexibly, keeps existing VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. access in place, and supports shared transmission arrangements.
Before this bill, people in declared service-deficient regional areas could use the VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite service, but an old service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared. had become outdated as broadcasters added more terrestrial channels and HDA clearer TV format that counted separately from standard definition under the old service-count rules, even when it was the same channel content. simulcasts, so a whole network could disappear without triggering satellite access. After Channel 10 stopped terrestrial broadcastingTV sent from ground-based transmitters rather than by satellite, which is the kind of service this bill is trying to keep available. in Mildura on 1 July 2024, exposing that gap, the bill let ACMAThe regulator that decides whether an area counts as service deficient and can change the channel plans that make shared transmission work. judge service deficiency more flexibly, preserved existing VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. access, enabled shared transmission arrangements, and became law in December 2024.
The main criticism was that the bill is only a stopgap that shifts the cost of fixing lost regional TV services onto households, with some viewers needing to pay about $800 for satellite equipment instead of getting a longer-term industry solution. That case was raised most clearly by Coalition regional MPs, with Anne Webster opposing the bill outright and others backing it only conditionally while arguing regional broadcasting still needs lasting funding and policy reform.
Michelle Rowland MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 10 Dec 2024
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
1 recorded amendment or procedural vote was found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.
Passage speed
167 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Regional viewers can get the VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite backup service when free-to-air commercial TV services in their area fall short, instead of missing out because of the old service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared..
Existing declarations that let people in service-deficient regional areas use VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. stay in force after the law starts, so current access is not interrupted.
Regional commercial TV broadcasters can ask the Australian Communications and Media AuthorityThe regulator that decides whether an area counts as service deficient and can change the channel plans that make shared transmission work. to let one transmitter licenceThe licence that authorises a transmitter to send broadcasting signals, which the bill lets broadcasters use more flexibly across multiple services. carry services from two or more broadcasting licences in the same area.
When broadcasters combine transmissions, the spare transmitter licenceThe licence that authorises a transmitter to send broadcasting signals, which the bill lets broadcasters use more flexibly across multiple services. is treated as surrendered, which removes an extra commercial broadcasting tax bill on that unused licence.
The Australian Communications and Media AuthorityThe regulator that decides whether an area counts as service deficient and can change the channel plans that make shared transmission work. can change television channel plans for shared transmission setups and can make those plan changes start earlier to match the new arrangements.
To address this shortcoming, Item 1 of the Bill would amend subsection 130ZH(1) to require that the ACMA must declare an area to be service deficient if it is satisfied that the number of applicable terrestrial digital commercial television broadcasting services provided to persons in a particular area is deficient, with no specific reference to the number of commercial television broadcasting services required to be provided via VAST.Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) explanatory memorandum
To avoid doubt, a declaration made under subsection 130ZH(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 that was in force immediately before the commencement of this Schedule continues in force on and after that commencement.Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) as-passed bill text
Item 11 would insert a new section 102AE that would empower the ACMA to make a consolidation declaration that allows a single transmitter licence to authorise the operation of one or more transmitters for transmitting the broadcasting service or services of two or more broadcasting services bands licences in a given licence area.Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) explanatory memorandum
Due to its surrender, the ‘unused’ licence would no longer attract liability to pay Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) under the Commercial Broadcasting Tax Act 2017. It is intended that the consolidated licence would continue to attract liability to pay CBT under that Act.Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) explanatory memorandum
Item 18 would provide that, if the ACMA varies a TLAP to allot, or to empower the ACMA to allot, a channel to two or more particular commercial television broadcasting licensees, it may deem that the varied TLAP is taken to have effect from a day that is before the day on which the variation is made, or before the commencement of the Bill, or both. This is intended to enable the timing of a variation of a TLAP in this particular circumstance to align with a transmitter consolidation arrangement enabled by the amendments in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Bill.Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) explanatory memorandum
Context
Before this bill, people in declared service-deficient regional areas could use the VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite service, but an old service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared. had become outdated as broadcasters added more terrestrial channels and HDA clearer TV format that counted separately from standard definition under the old service-count rules, even when it was the same channel content. simulcasts, so a whole network could disappear without triggering satellite access. After Channel 10 stopped terrestrial broadcastingTV sent from ground-based transmitters rather than by satellite, which is the kind of service this bill is trying to keep available. in Mildura on 1 July 2024, exposing that gap, the bill let ACMAThe regulator that decides whether an area counts as service deficient and can change the channel plans that make shared transmission work. judge service deficiency more flexibly, preserved existing VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. access, enabled shared transmission arrangements, and became law in December 2024.
Government introduces bill to fix the outdated VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. service-count ruleThe old counting test that could stop an area being declared service deficient even after a commercial network disappeared.
The bill was introduced with the government saying the existing counting test could leave regional viewers unable to receive a missing commercial television network through VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. even after terrestrial broadcasts stopped.
Hansard ↗Channel 10 stops broadcasting terrestrially in Mildura
Speakers in the House said Mildura lost Channel 10, showing in real time how regional viewers could lose a free-to-air network without automatically gaining satellite backup access.
Hansard ↗House passes the bill
The House passed the measure a day after the Mildura shutdown was raised in debate, advancing changes to preserve VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. eligibility and support shared transmission arrangements.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing Parliament's response to the gap in regional television continuity rules.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the changes law
Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, locking in more flexible service-deficiency declarations and the legal basis for shared regional transmission setups.
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 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
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
Referred to Committee (04/07/2024): Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (08/08/2024)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe 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 a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill is only a stopgap that shifts the cost of fixing lost regional TV services onto households, with some viewers needing to pay about $800 for satellite equipment instead of getting a longer-term industry solution. That case was raised most clearly by Coalition regional MPs, with Anne Webster opposing the bill outright and others backing it only conditionally while arguing regional broadcasting still needs lasting funding and policy reform.
Criticism centred on cost and long-term adequacy, not on the bill’s immediate continuity fix itself.
Cost shifted to households
Critics argued the bill’s Mildura fix was unfair because it relied on viewers getting VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. satellite access, which could require households to pay about $800 for a dish and installation rather than receiving a cheaper direct remedy.
Only a stopgap, not a long-term fix
Regional MPs said the bill kept people connected in the short term but did not solve the deeper problem of declining regional commercial television. They argued long-term broadcaster viability, funding and policy settings still needed to be addressed.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not 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.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Senate
Defeated 15 to 24. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and UAP. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
If carried, these amendments would have broadened the bill beyond regional broadcasting continuity to add stronger protections for free access to major events and new limits on gambling advertising.
These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Michelle Rowland supports the bill because it will keep regional viewers, especially in Mildura, able to access commercial television through VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. and give broadcasters a more flexible transmission framework.
Read in Hansard ↗Webster says the bill is only a stopgap for Mildura viewers and is not a fair or reasonable answer to the loss of regional television.
Read in Hansard ↗Birrell says the Nationals will back the bill because regional viewers in places like Mildura should keep access to free-to-air televisionTV services that viewers can watch without a subscription, which the bill is aimed at preserving in regional areas., but he argues it is only a stopgap and not the long-term fix regional broadcasting needs.
Read in Hansard ↗Coleman says the bill's Mildura fix is unfair and out of touch because it makes viewers pay $800 for a satellite dish instead of giving regional broadcasters tax relief.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
2 speakers · 3 contributions · 2 support
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 because it will keep regional viewers, especially in Mildura, able to access commercial television through VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. and give broadcasters a more flexible transmission framework. She presents it as a practical fix to outdated rules that were producing perverse and unintended outcomes.
“The bill responds to the developments in regional and remote television markets and supports audience access to commercial television broadcasting services. The bill does so directly, by expanding access to VAST, and indirectly, by enabling broadcasters to operate more efficiently in terms of the transmission of their services.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Michelle Rowland supports the bill and says it will keep regional Australians connected to free-to-air televisionTV services that viewers can watch without a subscription, which the bill is aimed at preserving in regional areas. by expanding VASTThe government-backed satellite service that gives regional viewers access to commercial TV when local terrestrial coverage is missing or inadequate. access and fixing outdated licensing rules. She argues the changes are a practical response to the closure of regional services and will give consumers and broadcasters more flexibility.
“These measures will ensure Australians can continue to access television broadcasting services in the circumstances where outdated regulations would otherwise prevent it. This is important for consumers and industry, and it will support the government's objective of providing equitable access to media services for all Australians, irrespective of where they live or what they earn. I call on members to support the bill.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill 2024 will amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992 to support continued access to television broadcasting services in remote and regional Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 1 support · 1 oppose · 1 mixed
“This bill before the House today merely allows Mildura viewers the option of installing a satellite dish—at their own expense—to receive the remote area VAST service to continue receiving Network 10 services. The Sunraysia Daily, a local newspaper, generously called the minister's bill 'a last-ditch effort to provide access to the Channel 10 broadcast'. Sure. This bill gives Mildura residents what you could describe as a technical option to replace their lost services, but it is neither a fair nor reasonable solution. The cost of a new satellite installation, which is up to $800, is simply not realistic for many Australians, especially in a cost-of-living crisis.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The other part of the bill which I should mention is a sensible change to enable broadcasters to use effectively less spectrum when they broadcast, should they choose to do so. That is technically not allowed under the rules at present. So what this bill would do is enable that to occur. This is a sensible thing. It's good for the networks, it's good for the government and it's good for the efficient use of spectrum management.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I understand things are a bit different. I have conversations with my kids about streaming. But free-to-air television is still important for a number of families, particularly lower socioeconomic families in regional areas, where streaming is more difficult.”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 · 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 · 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 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 a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (08/08/2024)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (4 July 2024): Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (8 Aug 2024)
APH bill page notes
