Community Broadcasting FAQs

amrap.org.au is a free platform exclusively for community radio presenters to discover and download new Australian music. It connects stations and program makers with musicians, record labels, and music representatives nationwide.

The platform includes a music download database restricted to licensed community broadcasters, and an airplay tracking tool. Only program makers at stations holding a Permanent or Temporary Community Broadcast Licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 are eligible.

Yes. amrap.org.au is free for all eligible users.

Australian artists and musicians, and program makers at stations holding a Permanent or Temporary Community Broadcast Licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

The following are not eligible:

• program makers at internet, pop-up, or narrowcast radio stations
• program makers at commercial or publicly-funded, non-community Australian radio stations
• program makers at international radio stations that feature Australian music
• individuals based in Australia providing Australian music programming to international stations without affiliation to a community radio station
• former community radio program makers with no existing ties to a community radio station

Ineligible accounts are removed without notice. Contact [email protected] to confirm eligibility.

No. Only holders of a Permanent or Temporary Community Broadcast Licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 are eligible. Ineligible categories include:

• internet
• pop-up
• narrowcast
• commercial, and international stations.

Ineligible accounts are removed without notice.

There are three account types:

• Artist – for artists uploading their own work
• PR-Agent – for labels, publicists, or managers handling multiple artists.
  Labels must represent three or more Australian artists with upcoming releases
• Broadcaster – for program makers at licensed community radio stations.
  Requires station manager approval before access is granted

The platform hosts:

• Community Radio Airplay Charts
• First Sounds (a First Nations music initiative), and
• Community Hubs.

CBAA also produces two weekly radio programs:

• The Local Source and
• Australian Music Is Bloody Great

Both are available to community radio stations through the Community Radio Network (CRN) and on demand via the Community Radio Plus app.

CBAA staff also represent community radio at music industry events, panels, and workshops.

Go to amrap.org.au and

1. Click Sign Up in the top-right corner
2. Select Broadcaster, then fill in your personal and program details
3. Select your station from the dropdown – if it's not listed, email [email protected].

Your application requires station manager approval before access is granted.
Once approved, you can browse and download music as .wav or high-resolution 320kbps .mp3, either immediately or via an email download link.

Log in and click your name in the top-right corner.
From there you can

• edit your name
• profile photo
• radio station
• social media
• website
• location, and bio.

Contact [email protected] or call (02) 9310 2999 if you need help.

Contact [email protected] or call (02) 9310 2999 to request account deletion or deactivation.

Make sure you're logged into your amrap.org.au account. Third-party cookies must also be enabled in your browser settings.

If the problem persists, contact [email protected] or call (02) 9310 2999.

Downloaded music is licensed for broadcast use only.

Program makers can broadcast tracks and copy them for personal review or backup. Station admins can broadcast music, allow previews, and copy tracks for station use and backups.

Neither program makers nor station admins can sell, give away, publish online, distribute, or copy music to third parties.

Not guaranteed. Explicit marking operates on an honour system. The CBAA team checks when possible but can't review every lyric. Vet tracks yourself before going to air.

AMRAP Pages is no longer accepting new users. Existing users can continue using it while MetaRadio – its replacement – is developed and rolled out. CBAA will communicate timing and transition details when confirmed.

AMRAP Pages was also used by APRA AMCOS as one of its data sources for calculating royalty distributions. That function is now covered by Music Recognition Technology (MRT), which has been rolled out across the community radio network. Your royalty reporting obligations are unchanged.

For questions about royalties or your APRA AMCOS licence, contact APRA AMCOS directly at apra-amcos.com.au.

Tracks must be performed by Australian citizens or permanent residents – either the main performer, or at least 50% of the band. Session musicians, producers, songwriters, or recording location alone do not make a track eligible.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to amrap.org.au
2. Click Sign Up in the top-right corner, and
3. Select Artist and fill in personal details
4. Create an artist profile including name, location, identity markers, and band members.

Review and agree to the Terms and Conditions to complete registration.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to amrap.org.au
2. Click Sign Up in the top-right corner, and select PR-Agent
3. Fill in personal and agency details, then create artist profiles during signup or add them later

The profile can be updated at any time via the name menu in the top-right corner.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in
2. Click the account name in the top-right corner, and select the PR-Agent profile
3. Click Artist Access
4. Search for existing profiles first – if one exists, admin access can be requested.
5. If not, create a new profile by entering the artist name.

Follow these steps:

1. Log in
2. Click the account name in the top-right corner
3. Select the artist profile
4. Edit fields including name, pseudonyms, location, identity, bio, and social link
5. Manage band members, press photos, and submitted releases via the left panel
6. Click Save when done.

Tracks must meet all of the following criteria:

• performed by Australian citizens or residents – either the main performer, or at least 50% of the band
• commercially released within the past 12 months
• delivered in WAV format
• free of extreme or hateful content

One release per artist per week is the maximum, with at least seven days between release dates.

1. Log in and click Upload Music
2. Select your release type and artist profile, upload cover art (minimum 1500x1500px)
3. Enter the release name, date, info blurb (300 words maximum), and up to four genres
4. Drag and drop your WAV files, complete the track metadata
   (explicit flag, focus track, contributing artists), agree to the Terms and Conditions
5. and submit.

Processing takes ten business days – upload well before your release date.
Only one release per artist per week is accepted.

Wholly AI-generated music is not accepted. Partially AI-generated music may be submitted with full disclosure:

• percentage generated by AI
• where it was used
• date created
• AI program(s) used and
• proof of subscription payment
• it will be labelled as “AI Generated Music” on the platform.

Before broadcasting AI-generated music, consider whether it is safe to air. AI music tools are trained on existing recordings, and the legal status of that training content remains contested. The Australian Government has signalled that existing copyright law applies and that AI development should be built on consent, credit, and fair compensation for creators – but this has not yet been legislated.

AI-generated music may not be covered by your existing APRA AMCOS or PPCA licences. Check what licence the tool's provider holds and seek advice on whether your broadcast licence covers the output. If in doubt, don't put it to air.

No. The CBAA team listens to every submission and may reject on grounds of audio quality – for example, unintentional distortion or muffled recording – or content. Artistic lo-fi production is generally accepted; the bar is broadcast suitability. Music must be marked as explicit where applicable.

1. Log in
2. Click your name in the top-right corner
3. Go to your artist profile, and click Releases.
4. Find the relevant release and click the edit button.

You can edit the:

• cover image
• title
• record label
• genre
• focus track and
• info blurb

To remove a release entirely, contact [email protected].

One release per artist per week. Upload at least ten working days before your release date, and allow extra time around public holidays and the CBAA office closure in late December and early January.

Your music is now available to thousands of community radio broadcasters for airplay. Use the Broadcasters tab to search by identity, genre, or location, view profiles, and send a message with a link to your release. Messages arrive as emails from AMRAP.

Most broadcasters are volunteers – a non-reply doesn't mean no play. Your airplay data is available in your account.

All artists with an amrap.org.au account who have uploaded music since 1 November 2024 can access community radio airplay data via Music Recognition Technology (MRT), now implemented across the full community radio network.

1. Log in to your Artist account
2. Click the Airplay tab
3. Select a date range to see a bar chart of your airplay by station.

1. Log in
2. Go to your artist profile
3. Click Downloads
4. Select a date range to see which broadcasters have downloaded your music.
5. You can export the data to Excel.

A download doesn't guarantee airplay – use the data to identify and follow up with interested broadcasters.

No. amrap.org.au provides access, not airplay. Programming decisions rest entirely with individual broadcasters. Passive uploading isn't enough – proactive outreach consistently gets better results.

1. Log in and go to your artist profile
2. Click Airplay
3. Select a date range – 7 days, 30 days, or 12 months – to see a bar chart by station
4. Filter by track or station
5. Export to Excel for detail including time, station, state, and daypart.

A few limitations to be aware of:

• Tracks uploaded before 1 November 2024 are not tracked
• Over 80% of a track must play to register a match
• Altered tempos or heavy talk-over can affect matching

Your download stats dashboard shows which broadcasters have downloaded your music.
Use the contact form on each broadcaster's profile page to reach out directly via amrap.org.au's messaging system.

CBAA's streaming service is powered by Triton Digital. As part of CBAA's group arrangement – subsidised by Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) funding – the service is significantly cheaper than stations sourcing Triton directly.

Included in the service:

• Unlimited listeners and bandwidth
• Dual-codec streams (AAC-LC and MP3 at 128 kbps)
• Customisable desktop player
• Detailed analytics via Triton Digital Metrics
• Geo-blocking
• 24/7 Triton emergency support

Pricing is based on station income. The service starts from $33 per month (ex GST).
Contact CBAA at [email protected] to discuss pricing for your station.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Triton Streaming with the CBAA
• Contact Triton Support

Contact CBAA at [email protected] to confirm pricing and begin the sign-up process.
Before you can sign up, your station must hold a current PPCA simulcast licence.

Once you've signed the contract, onboarding involves these steps:

• Set up your streaming PC with a continuous audio feed and install TeamViewer (set a personal password so CBAA and Triton can access it remotely).
• Complete the CBAA/Triton setup form with your station details.
• Triton remote in to install their software and configure your streams.
• Once Triton confirms setup is complete, CBAA sends through your stream details and Metrics access.
• Update your stream addresses across your website, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Community Radio Plus.
• Training session on the Triton Digital Metrics platform.

Your streaming PC must meet Triton's technical requirements (see link below). Setup typically takes up to two weeks. There is no setup fee.

If you'd prefer to install the Station Manager encoding software yourself rather than wait for Triton to remote in, let CBAA know and we can arrange that.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Triton's technical requirements
• Station Manager Installation guide

The most common cause is that the streaming PC has shut down or lost its internet connection.
Work through these steps before escalating:

1. Check your stream on multiple devices and platforms – your website, Community Radio Plus, and others – on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
2. Check the streaming PC: is it on? Is the internet connected?
3. Open Station Manager software and check each tab.
   Yellow or red circles on the left indicate a problem. Green circles are a good sign.
4. Reboot the PC, router, and Station Manager software.

If the issue continues during CBAA business hours, call CBAA Support – they will route you to Online Services. Have your TeamViewer details ready so CBAA can remote in. You can also email [email protected]. The more detail you can provide about what you've already checked, the faster the resolution.

If outside CBAA business hours, contact Triton Digital Emergency Support directly:

• Call: +61 2 9052 0888 (Sydney) or 1800 985 106 (toll-free) – enter extension 2699 as soon as the call connects. Leave a message with
  • your call sign
  • name
  • phone number, and a description of the problem. Triton will call back within 15–30 minutes (expect an international number).
• Email: [email protected] – include your remote connection details and what you've already tried. CC [email protected]
• Start with a call rather than email where possible.

Triton resolves the vast majority of issues directly.

Further reading:

• Contact Triton Digital Support

When you join CBAA's Triton streaming service, your stream address changes to a Triton-hosted URL. This happens whenever you change streaming provider.

CBAA provides your new stream URLs in a document once Triton has completed setup.

You need to update your stream address with every platform or directory that points listeners to your stream, including:

• Your website player
• Community Radio Plus app (CBAA looks after this with Alexa and Sonos)
• iHeartRadio (CBAA looks after this for you)
• TuneIn
• RadioGarden
• MyTunerRadio
• Airable
• vTuner

Always use the redirect URL that CBAA provides, not the raw server address.
Triton uses a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which means different listeners may connect to different servers. The redirect URL handles this automatically.

CBAA has a Stream URL Distributor tool to help you update your listing across multiple platforms.
Contact [email protected] for access.

Further reading:

• Learn about Triton Digital architectural overview

Metadata setup is typically handled by Triton during onboarding as it involves several connected systems. When it stops working after initial setup, the cause is almost always one of the following:

• Local network settings at the station have changed
• Middleware software (such as MetaRadio) has been closed or its settings changed
• Settings in Station Manager's RAS adapter tab have changed
• Settings in the playout system have changed

Start by checking:

• The logs and settings in your playout system
• Any middleware software such as MetaRadio
• The log at the bottom of the RAS adapter tab in Station Manager

If you can't identify the issue, contact [email protected] for support.

Further reading:

• Learn why metadata matters for your radio station
• Triton Digital explains how to create a metadata chain 

The analytics platform is called Triton Digital Metrics. It is separate from Station Manager, which is the encoding software installed on your streaming PC.

Access your metrics by logging in at: https://metrics.tritondigital.com

Your Metrics login is set up during onboarding. CBAA recommends:

• using a generic station email address (such as manager@ or production@) rather than an individual one
• a maximum of three accounts per station

Triton sends an activation email to set up your password. Once activated, always log in via the Metrics URL above – ignore any other links in the activation email.

CBAA can set up additional accounts or help recover access. Contact [email protected]

Once logged in, the dashboard shows real-time listening statistics.
For deeper reporting, use the Webcast Metrics Explore section.

Further reading:

• Learn more from Triton Digital Metrics guide
• Watch a video walkthrough of the metrics dashboard (YouTube) 

Community Radio Plus is the national community radio listening app, available on iOS, Android, smart speakers, Sonos devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most CBAA member stations are already listed.

You do not need a Triton Digital stream to be on the app.

If your station is not listed, or you need to update your station details, visit our online form. 

Allow up to one week for the submission to be processed. Once added, your station should appear in the app almost immediately. Station detail updates (including image changes) may take 5–10 minutes to reflect.

Contact [email protected] if you need assistance.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Community Radio Plus app

Omny Studio is CBAA's podcast and on-demand audio solution. It distributes content to podcast directories, smart speakers, and station websites, and includes listener analytics.

Contact [email protected] to discuss your needs and sign the service agreement.

Once signed:

• CBAA contacts Omny to set up your account – this takes one to two days
• CBAA then invites your nominated users and runs a training session to help you get set up

There are two service options:

• Podcasting – for stations creating talk-based shows to submit to podcast directories such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts or to host interviews or other audio content on your website.
• Podcasting plus On Demand – for stations that also want to automatically record their live stream and publish full radio show episodes online.

Important: programs that contain music cannot be submitted to podcast directories due to copyright licensing.

Stations with Podcasting plus On Demand can still create talk-only podcasts alongside their live stream recordings.

Pricing is based on station income.
Contact [email protected] for a quote.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Omny Studio

Yes. CBAA offers Radio Website Services (RWS) – a website platform built specifically for community radio stations, developed in partnership with Media Realm.

Included in the service:

• Live streaming integration
• Program guide
• Donation pages
• Mobile-friendly design
• Training and support

Pricing starts from $100 per month (ex GST). To get started, contact [email protected].

Onboarding involves these steps:

• Complete an onboarding form with details about your station, domain, and preferred features
• CBAA and Media Realm create a development site in the background while your current site stays live
• Populate the site with content. Most stations do this themselves after training sessions with CBAA Online Services. Alternatively, Media Realm can migrate your existing content for a one-off cost – contact Media Realm for a quote
• Once you're happy with the site, a go-live date is booked and DNS records are updated to point your domain to the new site

The time onboarding takes varies depending on your station's capacity and how quickly content is ready.

Further reading:

• Learn more about CBAA Radio Website Services
• Watch CBAA's onboarding overview video

MetaRadio is middleware software that passes now-playing metadata – track title and artist – from your playout system to your Triton stream so listeners can see what's on. Most stations using automation need it.

Contact [email protected] for setup guidance.

Logging requirements for community broadcasters are set out in Schedule 2 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

The legal minimum:

• if your station airs political or current affairs content, you must make an audio recording of that content. The minimum retention period is 42 days (six weeks) from broadcast date.

Extended retention applies in two situations:

• If a complaint has been made about the content: retain for 60 days.
• If you are notified that a recording may be required in legal proceedings: retain until those proceedings are finalised.

ACMA may request any retained recording at any time, at no charge.

CBAA's recommended best practice is to log all broadcast content for six weeks. This makes complaint response much easier and reduces the risk of being unable to provide a requested recording.

Further reading:

• Learn about your station's Logging requirements
• Learn about your obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992

Most stations set up a dedicated PC for logging with a quality soundcard.

Free options:

• SureLog – a reliable starting point for most stations
• B.U.T.T (Broadcast Using This Tool)
• BUTTM – a modern upgrade of B.U.T.T with additional recording functionality

Paid options:

• AirCheck
• Jazler Spycorder
• DJ Soft Radiologger
• mAirList Audio Logger

Enterprise and hardware solutions are also available for stations with higher requirements, including:

• Axia iProfiler
• OMT iMediaLogger
• Sonifex Net-log, and
• InnesCorp Flashlog

Contact [email protected] if you'd like guidance on what might suit your station.

CBAA handles APRA AMCOS music reporting on behalf of member stations through Music Recognition Technology (MRT), powered by ACRCloud.

MRT works like an automated Shazam for your live stream. It monitors your publicly available online stream around the clock, identifies songs using audio fingerprints, and sends that data directly to APRA AMCOS.

No new equipment is needed and stations don't need to do anything – CBAA manages the system.

MRT is a benefit of CBAA membership at no additional cost. It does not change the amount your station pays in royalties to APRA AMCOS.

Contact [email protected] if you have questions about your station's reporting.

Further reading:

• Read about the CBAA and APRA AMCOS MRT rollout for airplay reporting

The right playout system depends on your station's size, budget, and technical capability.

CBAA does not advocate for any specific system – this is a decision for your station to make based on your own needs.

Smaller stations commonly use:

• Station Playlist – popular, reliable, and affordable
• Zara Radio
• Jazler Soho

Mid-size stations often use:

• PlayoutONE
• mAirList

Larger stations commonly use:

• RCS Zetta – industry standard (used by ABC, SBS, and commercial broadcasters)
  available on-premise or cloud
• WideOrbit

Contact [email protected] if you'd like to discuss what others in the sector are using.

Most stations use the basic scheduling functionality built into their playout software for managing music and program content.

For stations with sponsorship scheduling needs:

• Admaster – commonly used at smaller stations
• Natural Log – used at larger stations
• RCS Aquira

If your station uses RCS Zetta, GSelector is the standard pairing for music scheduling.

Contact [email protected] for guidance on what might suit your station.

The Digital Delivery Network (DDN) is how CBAA delivers CRN programs, National Radio News, and other sector content to community radio stations.

The DDN is now decoupled from the WAN network link. Stations access DDN content via their regular internet connection – there is no need for a separate dedicated WAN link. Stations can still choose to connect to the WAN network if required.

To connect to the DDN or set up your account, contact [email protected].

The most important thing is to have a plan before an outage happens. If you know what to do when each part of the chain fails, the station stays calm and focused on resolution.

If the studio is down but the transmitter is still running from a separate site:

• The transmitter should have a backup audio source that cuts in automatically when the studio feed drops
• Some stations also have a remote playout PC at the transmitter that can be accessed online

Wherever possible, keep your online stream on a separate transmission path from your terrestrial broadcast.  If your transmitter goes down, you can direct listeners to your online stream while you work on the issue.

For future resilience planning:

• An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) protects against short power fluctuations and brownouts, typically providing up to 30 minutes for critical equipment
• A generator covers extended outages
• A combination of both is standard practice

Contact [email protected] for further advice.

Both, ideally. They serve different purposes and work best together.

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) handles short fluctuations and brownouts. It provides a clean, stable power source and typically gives critical equipment around 30 minutes of runtime – enough to shut down safely or bridge a brief outage.

A generator covers extended outages, but it takes time to start and stabilise. A UPS bridges that gap.

Key decisions when selecting a generator:

• How much load you need to support
• Whether it needs to be hard-wired or plug-in
• Whether you want automatic or manual transfer switching

Consult a licensed electrician before purchasing.

Contact [email protected] if you'd like to discuss your station's specific situation.

Costs vary significantly depending on your location, equipment, and what you're powering.

As a general guide, a typical community radio installation involves two components:

• Studio installation – solar panels and battery backup to power the tech room and studios
• Transmitter site installation – battery backup and monitoring

CBF may have grants available to support infrastructure projects. Contact CBF directly to discuss your options. 

Contact [email protected] for further advice.

Further reading:

• Visit the Community Broadcasting Foundation website for grant information

Transmitter upgrades are more common than full replacements. Costs vary significantly depending on your location, existing infrastructure, ACMA frequency specifications, and the level of coverage you need.

As a rough guide:

• Basic setup or individual components, small coverage area: $5,000–$20,000
• Improved equipment, broader coverage: $20,000–$50,000
• Professional-grade, larger coverage with backup systems: $50,000+

The transmitter is usually the largest single cost in any upgrade. CBAA can connect you with suppliers for quotes.

CBF grants may be available to support transmitter upgrades – contact CBF directly to discuss your options. If your transmitter has been damaged in an emergency such as a lightning strike, CBF Quick Response Grants may also be available.

Further reading:

• Visit the Community Broadcasting Foundation
• CBF Quick Response Grants
• Apply for a community radio licence

Start by notifying ACMA early – well before any planned change.
Contact them at [email protected].

Engage an ACMA-accredited broadcast planning consultant to guide the technical and regulatory process.

If the relocation is the result of an emergency, CBF Quick Response Grants may be available.

CBAA can provide a support letter for local council if required.
Contact [email protected] for further advice.

Further reading:

• Locate ACMA accredited consultants
• Apply for CBF Quick Response Grants

Outside broadcasts (OBs) are a great way to meet your community engagement obligations under your Broadcast Services Licence and the Codes of Practice – and they're worth planning carefully, because things will go wrong.

Equipment you'll typically need:

• Microphone(s), mixer, and a laptop or music player
• A codec device to transmit audio back to the studio – a Tieline ViÀ or AEQ Phoenix are common choices, transmitting via IP or 4G/5G networks with low delay
• Australian manufacturer RØDE CallMe is a built-in remote audio connection tool for the RØDECaster Pro II and RØDECaster Duo with a monthly subscription. It is an alternative to the premium Tieline product and the low cost option
• For a lower-cost alternative, Sonobus is free network audio streaming software that can work well, though it will introduce some delay depending on your network connection

Regulatory considerations:

• There are no specific ACMA or Codes requirements unique to outside broadcasts
• Be clear when broadcasting whether the OB is sponsored or not
• Be careful about mentioning business names or promoting products on-air at the OB location – this can risk crossing into advertising under the Codes

Always have backup audio or a pre-prepared segment ready to go. If it can go wrong, it will.
Contact [email protected] for further guidance.

Further reading:

• Explore Sonobus – free network audio streaming software

See the CBAA AI Fact Sheet in the resource library. It covers AI disclosure obligations, using AI-generated voices on air, copyright risks of AI tools, AI-generated music and licensing, and how to build an AI policy for your station.

Further reading:

• Download the AI Fact Sheet in the CBAA Resource Library

Both are required to legally broadcast music – they cover different rights.

PPCA licenses the use of recorded music – the sound recording itself.
Fees are collected by CBAA on members' behalf at a 50% discount. The licence also covers online simulcast.

APRA AMCOS licenses the use of musical compositions – the melody and lyrics of the song itself.
Fees are paid directly to APRA AMCOS, not via CBAA.

In simple terms: PPCA covers the recording. APRA AMCOS covers the song.

For detailed guidance on music licensing and copyright obligations, see the CBAA Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters.

Further reading:

• Visit the PPCA website
• Learn more about APRA AMCOS

PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) licenses broadcasters to play commercially released recordings. As a CBAA member, your PPCA licence is arranged collectively through CBAA, which gives you a 50% discount on the standard fee.

The fee is calculated at 0.8% of your station's annual revenue and covers broadcast, music-on-hold, and online simulcast.

Further reading:

• Read more about the role of the PPCA and community radio

Under Code 8 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, most stations must broadcast at least 25% Australian music. Stations representing an Ethnic or Fine Music community have a lower threshold of 10%.

The requirement is calculated as a percentage of all music played over a calendar month – not per individual program. Music used in sponsorship announcements and station or program promotions is excluded from the calculation.

Most stations find it easiest when every program integrates Australian music. Others run dedicated 100% Australian music programs to balance programs that include none.

AMRAP is the best starting point for sourcing Australian music. The AMRAP platform at amrap.org.au gives stations free access to a wide catalogue of contemporary Australian music, with First Nations artist tags included.

Further reading:

• Learn about Australian music quotas in the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• Read the guidance material for Code 8
• Explore new Australian music for radio from AMRAP

An artist counts as Australian if they are a citizen of, or ordinarily resident in, Australia.
For bands, at least 50% of members must be Australian citizens or residents.

The following generally do not count toward your Australian music quota:

• Session musicians only, even if Australian
• Music produced by an Australian but performed by non-Australians
• Music written by an Australian but performed by non-Australians
• Music recorded in Australia by non-residents

AMRAP is the safest starting point – all music on the platform is Australian.
For other music in your library, you will need to research and record Australian status manually.
There is no standard metadata field for this.

Further reading:

• Learn about the Australian music quota in Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• Learn more about AMRAP

AMRAP is the first place to look. The AMRAP platform at amrap.org.au is a free service for community broadcasters – all music is Australian, with First Nations artist tags included.  Using AMRAP also supports Australian artists and counts directly towards your music quota.

For international content to supplement your Australian music, PlayMPE is a legitimate option.

Further reading:

• Visit the AMRAP website

Yes. PlayMPE is a legitimate global music distribution platform used mainly by major labels to get music to radio stations. It's based in Canada and you'll need to demonstrate you're a legitimate community radio station to gain access. Once approved, it's free to use.

Use AMRAP first to support Australian artists and your music quota. PlayMPE is a good supplement for international content.

Further reading:

• Visit the AMRAP website
• Sign up to PlayMPE

Currently there is no PPCA licence available to community radio stations that covers the use of commercially released music in podcasts. Until a licensing arrangement is in place, stations should not include commercially released music in podcast episodes.

AMCOS-controlled Production Music may be usable in podcasts – check directly with APRA AMCOS for your specific situation.

One further option: if your station has a direct written permission from a copyright owner – for example, a local artist who has given explicit consent for their music to be used in your podcast – that music may be included under that agreement. Some stations have these arrangements in place with local artists.

Royalty-free alternatives for podcast music include:

• Epidemic Sound
• Envato Elements
• Shutterstock Music, and
• Openverse (which requires attribution)

For detailed guidance on podcasting and copyright, see the CBAA Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters.

Further reading:

• Sign up for free production music at APRA AMCOS
• Epidemic Sound
• Openverse (royalty free, attribution required) 

Yes. Get a signed release form from performers before broadcasting – this confirms consent to both record and broadcast the performance. The CBAA template release form is available via the Resource Library.

For detailed guidance on live music and copyright obligations, see the CBAA Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters.

Further reading:

• Download the Artist Release Form template from the CBAA Resource Library

It depends on what's documented and whether the presenter was an employee or a volunteer.

If the presenter was an employee, the station generally owns copyright in material they created as part of their role – unless a written agreement says otherwise.

If the presenter was a volunteer, they generally own copyright in what they created – again, unless a written agreement addresses this.
Without a clear written agreement, neither party has sole rights, which creates risk for both. The presenter could take the show elsewhere; the station may also continue broadcasting it.

Best practice is for presenter agreements to clearly state who owns the program format, title, and content, and whether programs are exclusive to the station.

For detailed guidance on copyright and content ownership, see the CBAA Copyright Guide for Community Radio Broadcasters.

"Political matter" is defined broadly in the Broadcasting Services Act as "any political matter, including the policy launch of a political party."

Content can be political matter even without explicitly promoting a party or candidate – if it engages meaningfully with a matter of public contention in a way that could objectively influence the audience, it is likely to be political matter.

Year-round obligations: political matter must be identified when broadcast, and stations must keep records of it for at least six weeks.

During election periods, additional obligations apply. Once a station begins broadcasting election matter, it must give all parties contesting the election a reasonable opportunity to have election matter broadcast.

Political matter is worth taking seriously. Contact CBAA if you're unsure – and check the ACMA guidance ahead of any election period.

Further reading:

• Read more about Political matter and election coverage from the CBAA
• Read more in the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025

Both the station and the individual presenter can be liable – the person defamed will often take action against both. This applies whether the content comes from a presenter or a guest.

Steps to reduce your exposure:

• Have signed presenter agreements in place
• Require all presenters to complete the CBAA Codes of Practice course on CBAA Learning website.
  This should be a baseline requirement for anyone who broadcasts
• For presenters hosting talk-based or interview programs, the CMTO Media Law course provides more targeted training on defamation and related risks
• Keep records of training completed
• Make presenters responsible in their agreements for briefing guests
• Consider having regular guests sign the presenter agreement

Before broadcasting anything about a person, presenters should ask:

• Is this based on fact?
• Does it identify a person?
• Have they had a chance to comment?
• Am I expressing opinion clearly as opinion?

Make sure your station has appropriate insurance cover that includes defamation liability. CBAA's endorsed insurance program through KBI Specialty covers this – contact CBAA if you're not sure what your current policy includes.

CBAA members have access to the Duty Solicitor service for legal questions – contact us if you need a referral.

Further reading:

• Download CBAA's Defamation Law Fact Sheet 2025
• Complete the Codes of Practice course at CBAA Learning
• Enroll in the CMTO Media Law course
• Enquire about CBAA Insurance (KBI Specialty)
  

No. Stations should have a clear policy prohibiting professional advice on-air. Include this in your Programming Policy and Presenter Agreement.

A recommended clause: "The station prohibits on-air hosts, guests and presenters from offering medical, financial, legal or other professional advice. Where professional topics are discussed, a qualified expert may be invited with programming manager approval, and must clearly state the information is general only."

Beyond the risk to listeners, stations can face liability under the Australian Consumer Law if on-air advice is misleading or deceptive. Financial advice carries additional risk – providing it without an Australian Financial Services licence is a separate legal issue under the Corporations Act.

The one exception: in an emergency, presenters may provide general public safety information – for example, directing people to call 000 – while stressing the need for professional help.

If you're unsure about your station's exposure, contact CBAA to access the Duty Solicitor service.

Further reading:

• Read about compliance in the CBAA Resource Library
• Visit the Policy Bank at the Institute of Community Directors

There is no legal obligation to play any specific CSA. Community broadcasters are expected to support their community of interest, and CSAs are one way to do this – but the decision is yours.

Whether and how to play CSAs is a station-level decision that should be documented in your policies.

CBAA guidance on CSAs is coming soon – check the Resource Library for updates.

Further reading:

• Read more at the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• Learn more about Community Service Announcements at the CBAA
• Read ACMA Community broadcasting sponsorship guidelines

Competitions are common on community radio but there are a few things to get right.

Under the ACMA Community Broadcasting Sponsorship Guidelines (Section 4.2.2), when determining whether competition broadcasts amount to advertising or sponsorship announcements, ACMA considers factors including whether an announcement contains repeated references to a commercial entity that are not contextual. Apply the five-minute-per-hour sponsorship limit accordingly.

Some states require permits for competitions where prizes exceed certain thresholds. Check the requirements in your state before you run a competition with significant prizes.

Make sure your competition terms and conditions are clear and available to listeners.

CBAA guidance on running competitions is coming soon – check the Resource Library for updates.

Further reading:

• Download the ACMA Community broadcasting sponsorship guidelines
• Read the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025

It depends on how the presenter is using it. Groover is a platform where artists pay to have their music reviewed by curators. That's not automatically a problem – the issue is whether the presenter is receiving any benefit in return.

Ask these questions:

• Is the presenter receiving payment or a free subscription from Groover or submitting artists?
• Have they promised airplay to artists who submit?
• Are they representing the station without authority?

If the answer to any of these is yes, it could constitute commercial consideration and may breach the presenter's agreement with the station and Code 9 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (Sponsorship).

Review the presenter's agreement and have a direct conversation.
Contact [email protected] if you want CBAA to review the arrangement.

Further reading:

• Get familiar with the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 – Code 9

Currently Victoria is the only state where community broadcasters can become official emergency broadcasters, via an MOU with Emergency Management Victoria. Victorian stations should contact VicEmergency directly at [email protected] for the current application process.

Stations in other states cannot currently become official emergency broadcasters, though many play a valued informal role in their communities during emergencies – and that role is worth preparing for regardless of official status.

Code 6 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice sets out your obligations if you do offer emergency broadcasts:

• accurate
• reliable
• timely information
• locally relevant where possible, and
• in the main languages of your area where you can

CBAA has worked with the ABC to develop emergency broadcasting resources for community stations, including guidance on when to begin emergency broadcasting, audio stings, and how to broadcast alerts on radio and social media. These are available via the CBAA website and Online Community.

The CBAA Learning platform also has a five-module emergency broadcasting course – recommended for all station staff, volunteers, and presenters, not just those in areas prone to emergencies.

Further reading:

• Explore CBAA's Emergency broadcasting resources
• Read Code 6 in CBAA's Codes of Practice 2025 guidance material
• Sign up for the CBAA Learning Emergency broadcasting course

Yes, but content restrictions apply.

Under Code 4.1b of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, stations must not broadcast material that presents as desirable the misuse of alcohol. The ABAC Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code also applies – sponsorship announcements must not:

• encourage excessive consumption
• be directed at minors, or
• suggest alcohol contributes to significant mood change or success.

Think carefully about when the sponsorship will air and who the likely audience is at that time.

There is no blanket ban – the content of the announcement is what matters.

CBAA is happy to review scripts before they go to air.
Contact the Station Support team at [email protected] or (02) 9310 2999.

Further reading:

• Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 – Code 4: Material Not Suitable For Broadcast
• ABAC – Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code

Gambling sponsorship is subject to multiple overlapping obligations – get this one right before you sign anything.

Under Code 4.1 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, stations must not:

• Promote or encourage harmful or excessive gambling
• Broadcast gambling promotions or live odds immediately before, during, or immediately after live sporting events

The AANA Wagering Advertising Code and the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 also apply, as do state and territory regulations which vary across Australia.

CBAA's recommendation is to establish clear internal practices aligned with the 2025 Codes now, before a complaint arises. The CBAA guidance note for Code 4.1c and d covers this topic in detail, including practical examples of what is and isn't permissible. If you're unsure whether a specific arrangement is compliant, contact the Station Support team at [email protected] or (02) 9310 2999 before committing.

Further reading:

• Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 – Code 4: Material Not Suitable For Broadcast
• ACMA – Rules for gambling ads

The key rules come from Code 9 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, the Broadcasting Services Act, and the ACMA Community Broadcasting Sponsorship Guidelines. The distinction that matters most is between acknowledging support and advertising.

A compliant sponsorship announcement:

• Does not exceed five minutes of sponsorship content per hour in total
• Includes a station tag acknowledging the sponsor's support
• Acknowledges support – it does not advertise
• Contains no specific pricing and no call to action
• Uses no language designed to draw public attention to a product the way advertising would

If you're unsure about a script, CBAA is happy to review it before it goes to air. Contact the Station Support team at [email protected] or (02) 9310 2999.

Further reading:

• Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 – Code 9: Sponsorship
• ACMA – Community broadcasting sponsorship guidelines

Community broadcasters hold an apparatus licence for their broadcasting transmitter under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. A licence fee applies, but unlike commercial broadcasters, community broadcasters do not pay a separate spectrum tax.

The fee varies depending on your station's location and population density area. Use the ACMA fee calculator to find the amount that applies to you. Your station may also be eligible for a fee exemption or concession – check the ACMA website or contact them directly at [email protected].

Additional fees may apply if your station uses dedicated spectrum for studio-to-transmitter links.

Further reading:

• ACMA – broadcasting transmitter apparatus licences
• ACMA – apparatus licence fee calculator
• ACMA – fees for apparatus licences

Licence Area Plans (LAPs) are available on the ACMA website. However, finding the right one isn't always straightforward – your station's licence area may not match the geographic boundaries you'd expect.

Being located in Wollongong, for example, doesn't necessarily mean you're in the Wollongong RA1 licence area. Always check the specific LAP that applies to your licence rather than assuming it matches your suburb or city.

LAPs set out what frequencies are available in an area and which services are licensed to use them. They're the starting point for anyone looking to start a new station or understand the broadcasting landscape in their area.

If you're having trouble locating the right LAP, contact the ACMA Community Broadcasting team directly at [email protected] or (02) 9334 7922.

Further reading:

• ACMA – Licence Area Plans

Australia's radio licence areas have been planned for many years. ACMA replans them from time to time based on its own priorities – not station requests.

A current priority is AM to FM conversion for commercial broadcasters. Variation requests from community broadcasters are considered against whatever ACMA is currently focused on, and are often not approved unless they happen to align with those priorities.

To submit a variation request, complete ACMA Form B92 – "Request to vary a licence area plan – radio."

ACMA has published policy guidelines on how it assesses and prioritises these requests – worth reading before you apply.

For specific questions, contact the ACMA Community Broadcasting team directly at [email protected] or (02) 9334 7922.

Further reading:

• ACMA – Licence Area Plans
• ACMA – Policy guidelines for assessing LAP variation requests

Community participation is a licence condition – not optional. Stations must actively encourage their community to get involved in station operations and programming.

Every station has a community interest – defined in the Codes as a common interest shared by a group of people in a community that the station has identified in its licence. That community interest may be geographic (representing the needs of people within a licence area) or specific (for example, a First Nations community, a cultural or linguistic group, or a faith-based community). Your community participation obligations apply in relation to that community interest.

In practice this means:

• keeping membership open to the community
• providing opportunities for people to get involved in station operations and programming
• consulting the community on programming decisions, and
• regularly broadcasting information about how people can participate.

A regular on-air announcement encouraging community participation is strongly recommended.

The ACMA Community Broadcasting Participation Guidelines are the key reference point. CBAA also has resources to help stations meet this obligation in practice.

Further reading:

• ACMA – Community broadcasting participation guidelines
• Visit the CBAA Resource Library

Working With Children Checks (WWCC) are mandatory for anyone in child-related activities – this applies to both paid staff and volunteers. The key question for your station is:

• Do you have child-related activities? This includes:
  • youth programs
  • under-18 presenters
  • children's events, and
  • school work experience or placement.

If the answer is yes, anyone interacting with those children – including staff, trainers, and admin – must hold a valid WWCC for the state or territory where the activity takes place.

Requirements vary by state and territory. The check has different names in different places.
For example, it's called a Blue Card in Queensland and a Working with Vulnerable People registration in the ACT. In most states, the check is free for volunteers.

Check the requirements for your state before you start any child-related activity. Don't assume that a check from one state covers activities in another.

Note: national WWCC reform was agreed in November 2025 – requirements may continue to evolve.
Always check current state requirements.

Further reading:

• Australian Institute of Family Studies – Pre-employment and volunteer screening checks
• NSW – Office of the Children's Guardian
• National child safety – Working with Children Check reform

Police checks are not mandatory for volunteers or employees at community radio stations. They are different from WWCCs and serve a different purpose – a WWCC is specifically designed to assess suitability for child-related work, while a police check provides a broader criminal history snapshot.

Stations may choose to require a police check for certain roles – particularly:

• paid positions
• roles involving financial responsibility, or
• roles where criminal history is directly relevant.

If you do require police checks, state this clearly in your recruitment and volunteer call-outs so applicants are aware upfront.

CBAA recommends stations consider their specific context and risks when deciding whether to require police checks. If you're unsure what's appropriate for your station, contact us at [email protected].

Further reading:

• Visit Volunteering Australia

Yes, with appropriate safeguards. Having under-18s at your station can be a rewarding part of your community role, but it requires careful planning.

Any staff, trainers, or volunteers interacting with under-18s must hold a valid WWCC for your state or territory. See the Working With Children Checks (WWCC) FAQ for more on WWCC requirements.

Review your internal procedures with under-18s in mind – including emergency and evacuation procedures, supervision arrangements, and who is responsible for the young person at all times.

Assess the risk carefully. If you cannot guarantee that an under-18 won't interact with adults who don't hold a valid WWCC, weigh that risk seriously before proceeding.

A parental or guardian consent form is strongly recommended for any under-18 participating in station activities.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Compliance in the CBAA resources

Award rates depend on the type of role and the nature of the employment arrangement (permanent, casual, fixed-term, etc.). All employment arrangements must comply with the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards (NES) at a minimum.

If your station is considering employment contracts, we recommend seeking qualified human resources and legal advice to make sure you get it right.

Further reading:

• CBF – guide to wage rates
• Fair Work – minimum wages
• Fair Work – National Employment Standards
• Learn more about your governance and staff requirements at the CBAA resource library 

New Fair Work Act rules took effect on 6 December 2023. The key points are:

• A fixed-term contract cannot exceed two years in total, including any extensions
• A contract can only be renewed once, even if the total duration is under two years

From 1 November 2025, employers must also provide a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS) to any employee engaged on a fixed-term basis. This is in addition to the Fair Work Information Statement already required for all new employees. Both statements are available on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

There are exceptions most relevant to community radio stations:

• Emergency or temporary circumstances, such as covering extended parental leave
• Governance positions outlined in your constitution
• ACNC-registered charities where the position is funded by a government grant, another charity, or a testamentary gift, and the organisation's total annual revenue is under $10 million – this exception applies to contracts entered into before 1 November 2026

Fair Work looks at the substance of the arrangement, not just the paperwork. Short gaps between contracts or reclassifying someone as a contractor will not satisfy the rules. If you're unsure how these rules apply to your station, seek qualified employment law advice.

Further reading:

• Fair Work – fixed-term contracts
• Fair Work – Fixed Term Contract Information Statement

It depends on your legal structure and size.

If you are registered with the ACNC as a charity, the requirements are:

• Small (annual revenue under $500k) – no audit required
• Medium (annual revenue $500k–$3m) – financial review or audit required
• Large (annual revenue over $3m) – audit mandatory

If you are incorporated under state or territory legislation but not registered as a charity, the thresholds vary by state. In NSW, for example, associations with gross receipts over $250k or current assets over $500k must have audited financial statements. Check your state's incorporation legislation for the applicable threshold.

If you received $80,000 or more in CBF grants in the financial year, you need both audited financial statements and an Auditor's Financial Certificate, regardless of your size.

On the accountant question – technically an accountant can conduct a financial review in some circumstances, but an auditor is required if you are a registered charity at the relevant threshold, your grants require an audit, or your constitution specifies one. If you're unsure, seek advice from a qualified accountant or auditor.

Further reading:

• ACNC – charity size guide
• NSW Fair Trading – financial reporting requirements

The CBAA Complaints Toolkit is your first reference point – it covers the process from acknowledgement through to resolution and escalation. Read it before you need it, not after a complaint arrives.

Under Code 10 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, stations must have a complaints handling process in place. If your station is ever investigated by ACMA, your complaints records will be a key part of what they examine.

Key steps:

• Acknowledge the complaint promptly in writing
• Investigate fairly and objectively
• Provide a written response as soon as practicable and within 60 days of receipt
• Inform the complainant of their right to refer to ACMA if unsatisfied

Your written response should confirm you:

• reviewed the broadcast under the Codes
• identify the relevant obligations considered
• explain your findings, and
• include the ACMA escalation pathway.

Document everything:

• dates
• correspondence
• decisions, and
• who was involved.

Stations must keep records of complaints and responses for at least 24 months.

Further reading:

• CBAA – Code 10 guidance material (includes complaints toolkit)
• Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 – Code 10

The CBAA Complaints and Disputes Toolkit is your first reference point for handling internal conflict – it covers the process from informal resolution through to escalation. Start there, then follow your constitution and any dispute policy your station has in place.

Try to resolve the matter informally before escalating – most disputes can be resolved with a direct conversation if addressed early.

If informal resolution doesn't work, CBAA members have access to four hours of pro bono mediation through the Resolution Institute. Contact CBAA for a referral – this service is available to all members and is worth using before things escalate further.

For membership disputes specifically, refer to your constitution and disputes and grievances policies.

ACMA does not have a role in internal complaints and disputes – these are governed by your own documents and processes.

Further reading:

• CBAA – Complaints and Disputes Toolkit
• CBAA – Mediation service

Your reporting due date is set out in your Grant Agreement with the CBF. Refer to the CBF Grant Reporting page for full details – it covers what's required, timelines, and how to submit.

If you have questions about your specific reporting obligations, contact your CBF Grant Support Officer directly.

Further reading:

• CBF – Grant reporting
• CBF – Grants Support Team

Reach out to your CBF Grant Support Officer as a first step – they can advise whether a variation is appropriate for your situation and guide you through the process.

Also review your Grant Agreement, which will set out the conditions around variations.

Further reading:

• CBF – Grant reporting
• CBF – Grants Support Team

Yes. Fundraising is regulated at state and territory level and requirements vary significantly across Australia.

Some states require organisations to register or obtain a permit before publicly soliciting donations. Australian Consumer Law also applies to fundraising activities.

These rules are evolving. State and territory jurisdictions are working to align their fundraising regulations with national principles – a process CBAA has actively supported through its involvement in the Fix Fundraising campaign. It's worth checking current requirements in your state before running any public fundraising campaign, as the rules may have changed.

If your station is registered as a charity with the ACNC, additional obligations may apply.

The ACNC provides guidance on fundraising laws by state and territory at acnc.gov.au – a good starting point for understanding what applies to your station. Also check directly with your state or territory's fundraising regulator, as requirements can change.

Contact CBAA at [email protected] if you need guidance on where to start.

Further reading:

• CBAA – Fundraising resources
• ACNC – Fundraising
• CBAA Learning – Diversifying your income streams
• Find out how GiveNow can help grow your station fundraising

Three separate organisations – each with a distinct role.

CBAA (Community Broadcasting Association of Australia) is the peak body and membership organisation for community radio stations. We provide support, resources, training, advocacy, and sector representation. If you have a question about running your station, we're your first call.

CBF (Community Broadcasting Foundation) is the funding body. It distributes government funding to community media through grants. The CBF is independent of CBAA – you apply to them directly for grants.

ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) is the government regulator. It issues and renews broadcast licences, sets technical standards, administers the Broadcasting Services Act, and investigates complaints. ACMA doesn't provide operational support – it holds stations to account.

A simple way to think about it:

• CBAA supports you
• CBF funds you
• ACMA regulates you.

The first thing to check is whether a frequency is available in your area. Look at the relevant ACMA Local Area Plan (LAP). If there's no available frequency, starting an AM or FM station will be much harder.

A licensed frequency can only become available if an existing licensee hands one back or ACMA conducts a replan, which can take years. It may be worth considering an online-only presence in the meantime, while monitoring ACMA's LAP process for your area.

If a frequency is available, you need to satisfy two more questions:

• Is there a genuine community need?
• Is there real community interest in running the station?

All three need to be yes before going further.

If you're clear on all three, here are the key steps:

• Define your community of interest (geographic area, language group, music genre, etc.)
• Gauge community commitment
• Hold a public meeting and form a steering committee
• Incorporate as a not-for-profit
• Apply to ACMA for a Temporary Community Broadcasting Licence (TCBL) – allow at least four months before your intended broadcast date

A TCBL is valid for up to 12 months. It gives your station time to develop operational and programming capability before applying for a long-term licence.

It's worth contacting the ACMA Community Broadcasting team early in the process. They can clarify frequency availability and licensing requirements before you invest significant time or resources. Reach them at [email protected].

CBAA can also provide guidance on incorporation and governance. Call (02) 9310 2999 or email [email protected].

Further reading:

• Apply for a community radio licence with ACMA
• Learn more about community broadcast licences with ACMA
• Look up ACMA Licence Area Plans
• Find out about Incorporating an association with NFP Law

It depends. CBAA's primary purpose is to support licensed community broadcasters – stations holding a Community Broadcasting Licence (CBL) or Temporary Community Broadcasting Licence (TCBL) issued by ACMA.

An internet-only station can become a CBAA member if it is actively and genuinely pursuing a community broadcast licence. The key test is whether a licensed frequency is available in the area where the station wants to broadcast. If no frequency is available, membership isn't open at this stage.

CBAA membership is at the organisational level – it's not available to individual independent broadcasters.

If you're broadcasting online and no licence is available in your area, the best path is to get involved with an existing community radio station in your region. CBAA is not the peak body for internet broadcasting.

For questions about eligibility, contact the membership team on (02) 9310 2999 or [email protected].

Welcome. Let us know you're in the role – we're here to help.

Reach out to the CBAA Station Support team at [email protected] or (02) 9310 2999 and we'll make sure you're connected to the right people and resources from the start.

Experience shows that station managers who engage with CBAA early and regularly are more likely to thrive in the role. We can walk you through your member entitlements – including insurance, legal support, and volunteer management resources – and help you work out what's most relevant to your station right now.

We run regular welcome sessions for new station managers – a great opportunity to meet CBAA staff and other new managers. Contact us to find out when the next one is.

Other useful first steps:

• Join the CBAA Online Community – connect with peers and ask questions
• Explore the CBAA Resource Library – guides on all aspects of community broadcasting
• Check the Grants page – open grants your station may be eligible for
• Watch recorded webinars on CBAA Learning

Further reading:

• Become a member of the CBAA Online Community
• Explore the CBAA Resource Library
• Find out about funding options at the CBAA Grants page
• Register for webinars and courses at CBAA Learning

Community engagement starts with station culture. A station where people feel welcomed, respected and included will naturally attract more volunteers and members. Make it clear that new volunteers are welcome and give them simple, clear steps to get involved.

Maintain an active and visible presence in your local community. This raises awareness of the station, strengthens community connections, and supports your obligations under the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice. Practical activities include regular on-air calls for volunteers, attending local events, holding open days, and outside broadcasts.

Your programming matters too. A schedule that reflects the diversity, interests and lived experiences of your community will attract new volunteers and members while keeping the station connected to the people it serves.

The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice set out your obligations around diversity, independence and community. Code 3 requires stations to understand their community interest, ensure programming reflects the needs and diversity of that community, and actively encourage people – especially those not well served by other media – to participate in providing the service.

Further reading:

• Read CBAA - Code 3 guidance material
• CBAA – Volunteers resources

Most community radio stations are incorporated as not-for-profit associations under state or territory legislation. Some are companies limited by guarantee or co-operatives – each structure has slightly different rules.

Core obligations for incorporated associations include:

• Comply with your state or territory Associations Incorporation Act
• Maintain accurate financial records and submit annual returns
• Hold an AGM
• Maintain a current member register
• Operate in accordance with your constitution

If your station is registered as a charity with the ACNC, additional reporting obligations apply.

Under Code 2 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, stations must also have governance documents in place, abide by them, and make them publicly available.

CBAA can provide guidance on your governance obligations and point you to the right resources for your structure. Contact us on (02) 9310 2999 or [email protected].

Further reading:

• Read about Code 2: Governance from the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025) 
• Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Comission (ACNC)
• Find out how to Incorporate an association with Justice Connect
• Learn more at Not-for-profit governance at the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA)

Good governance gives your station a stable foundation and helps you meet your obligations under the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice.

Code 2 sets out the minimum governance requirements – having key documents in place, abiding by them, and making them publicly available.

Beyond the minimum, good governance involves:

• A clear constitution that reflects current operations
• A competent and engaged board with defined roles
• Transparent financial management
• Documented policies and procedures
• Regular board meetings with proper minutes
• Conflict of interest management
• Meaningful community participation

CBAA has additional governance guides and training in development – check the Resource Library for updates or contact us at [email protected].

Further reading:

• Read Code 2 on Governance from the the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025)
• CBAA - Learn how to run a board or committee
• Download the CBF Good financial management checklist
• Visit Institute of Community Directors
• Read Not-for-Profit resources from Australian Institute of Company Directors

Best practice is to review your constitution at least every two to three years.
A review should check:

• Does it reflect your current objects and activities?
• Does it risk any tax concessions?
• Does it incorporate relevant legislative changes?
• Are the processes still practical?

Two situations that specifically trigger a constitutional review:

1. applying for charity registration with the ACNC, or
2. applying for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

Both have specific constitutional requirements that must be met before an application will succeed.

Under Code 2 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, your constitution must be publicly available – for example, via your website.

To change your constitution: this usually requires a special resolution at a General Meeting – typically a 75% majority. Check your own constitution and relevant state legislation for the specific requirements.

CBAA recommends against simply adopting a model constitution without getting advice first – the right constitution depends on your station's specific structure, objects, and circumstances. Contact us on (02) 9310 2999 or [email protected] for guidance.

Further reading:

• Learn about your governance responsibilities in Code 2 of the Codes of Practice guidance material
• Read more about Managing an organisation's rules or constitution from NFP Law
• Download Mills Oakley Constitution review checklist

The AGM is one of the most important events on your station's calendar – not just a compliance obligation, but a genuine opportunity to engage with your members and community, report on the year, and set the direction ahead. Treat it as such.

The specific requirements depend on your legal structure and constitution. An incorporated association in NSW operates under different rules to one in Victoria, and companies limited by guarantee and co-operatives have their own separate requirements.

As a general guide for incorporated associations:

• Your constitution will specify the required notice period – commonly 14 to 21 days
• A quorum is required – check your constitution for the specific number
• Financial statements and an annual report must be tabled
• Office bearers are typically elected at the AGM
• Minutes must be kept and retained
• The AGM must generally be held within six months of the end of your financial year

If your station is registered with the ACNC as a charity, additional requirements apply.
Contact CBAA if you need guidance on AGM requirements for your specific structure.

Further reading:

• Download Mills Oakley AGM Toolkit
• Learn what's involved with holding meetings with NFP Law
• Read the ACNC guide to Annual general meetings
• Read the Ultimate guide to not-for-profit AGMs from ICDA

Yes, in most jurisdictions, provided your constitution allows for it. Electronic voting and hybrid AGMs can significantly improve participation – they remove barriers for members who live further away, have mobility or disability-related access needs, or simply can't attend in person.

For community radio stations with diverse and dispersed memberships, this matters. If your constitution doesn't address electronic meetings or voting, you may need to amend it before proceeding.

Common approaches include email ballots – where members email a completed ballot to a designated address by a deadline – and website or portal voting, where members access a password-secured site and vote online.
A few things to get right:

• Provide clear instructions, particularly for less tech-literate members
• Store ballots securely
• Run a test before the actual vote
• Check your state's current rules – these have been evolving

A range of platforms are available to support electronic voting:

• Elections Australia (myvote.com.au)
• Election Buddy
• True Vote, and
• Corpvote are commonly used by associations

No single platform is recommended over others – choose one that suits your station's size and technical capacity.

Yes, but with important limits – and the detail varies by legal structure and state.

For most community radio stations incorporated as associations, members have a legal right to inspect the register under their state's Associations Incorporation Act. However, the right to inspect is not the same as the right to receive a copy for any purpose. Use of the register is generally restricted to purposes connected with the affairs of the association – requests for commercial use or purposes unrelated to station business can be declined.

Members may also have opted out of having their contact details – address, email, phone – made available for inspection. In that case, only names must be disclosed. Check your constitution and state legislation for the specific rules that apply.

For stations structured as companies limited by guarantee or co-operatives, different rules apply under the Corporations Act and Co-operatives National Law respectively.

If in doubt, check your constitution and seek advice from your state regulator or a community legal centre.

Further reading:

• Search the ACNC Charity Register
• Visit the NFP Law website
• Search ASIC for companies limited by guarantee 

Your station is required to encourage community participation – this means keeping membership genuinely open as a default position.

Your constitution and policies are the starting point for any membership decision. Don't make it up as you go – follow what your documents say. Those documents should themselves reflect your obligation to encourage community participation, so if your policies are overly restrictive, that's worth reviewing.

If your constitution or policies don't clearly address how to handle a membership application that would be genuinely detrimental to the station, contact CBAA for assistance on (02) 9310 2999 or [email protected].

Further reading:

• Read the ACMA Community broadcasting participation guidelines
• Read the NFP Law website about managing members 

Yes, access fees are permitted. They are at the station's discretion – there is no sector-wide standard. The ACMA guidelines are clear that fees must be reasonable and the process for deciding access to airtime must be fair and transparent.

Common reasons for charging them include offsetting the costs of equipment, repairs, and maintenance. That said, many stations aim to phase access fees out as their financial position improves.

It's worth considering whether access fees are consistent with your obligation to encourage community participation.

Any access fee arrangement should be documented in your policies and presenter agreements.

Further reading:

• Read the ACMA Community broadcasting participation guidelines

Ending a volunteer relationship should follow a fair and documented process, even though volunteers are not employees. Ad hoc or undocumented decisions create risk – particularly if the matter is later contested or escalated.

Key steps:

• Review your volunteer policy and any volunteer agreement
• Follow any disciplinary or review process set out in those documents
• Give the volunteer a genuine opportunity to respond
• Document all decisions, dates, and correspondence

If the ending of the volunteer relationship is related to a complaint or Code breach, follow your complaints handling policy carefully. ACMA doesn't get involved in internal disputes, but if a complaint about your station's community participation reaches them, having a documented, fair process is important evidence that your station takes its obligations seriously.

One important distinction: ending someone's volunteer role does not automatically end their membership of the station. Membership is a separate relationship governed by your constitution and policies. If you also need to address someone's membership, follow the process set out in those documents – this has a higher bar and is a separate decision

Further reading:

• Learn aboout Ending the volunteer relationship with Volunteering Hub
• Read how to manage volunteers from NFP Law
• Download CBAA's Volunteer Management Toolkit

Invoices go to the primary contact registered on your station's CBAA account.
If yours hasn't arrived, contact the CBAA Finance team and we'll resend it.

Yes. CBAA offers payment plans and direct debit (DDR) arrangements. Contact the Finance team to set either up.

For direct debit, you'll need to complete a Payment Form.  The Finance team will send this to your station's primary contact once you get in touch.

CBAA accepts EFT (bank transfer), credit card, direct debit (DDR), and cheque. Note that additional processing charges may apply to some payment methods.

To get CBAA's EFT bank details, contact the Finance team.

Contact the Finance team and we'll update your billing details.

Yes. EFTSure is the platform CBAA uses to verify payee bank details before making payments. We understand these requests can look like spam – if you're unsure, contact us or EFTSure directly before responding.

Further reading:

• Contact EFTSure for assistance

CBAA doesn't have a formal hardship policy, but we understand that circumstances change. Get in touch and we'll do our best to work something out.

Membership fees are based on your station's annual revenue, so smaller stations pay less and larger stations contribute more. To make sure your fee is calculated correctly, send us your annual financial report each year.

Your fee gives you access to a range of CBAA services including free remediation support, legal advice, and insurance through our partner providers. For a full list of what's included, visit the Member Services page.

If you think there's an error in your fee calculation, contact the Member Support team.

Further reading:

• Read more about CBAA Member Services

It depends on your station's legal structure and registration.

Stations registered as a charity with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO are income tax exempt. If your station is not a registered charity, it may still qualify for income tax exemption by self-assessing as a community service organisation under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

From the 2023-24 financial year, non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN must lodge an annual NFP Self-Review Return with the ATO by 31 October each year to confirm their exemption status – stations that haven't done this should act promptly.

On GST: if your annual turnover is under $150,000 you are not required to register, but voluntary registration may be worth considering if you have significant expenses. Speak to your accountant or contact the ATO's NFP helpline on 1300 130 248.

Further reading:

• Visit the ATO NFP self-review return
• Learn more about setting up an NFP from the ATO
• Understand the rules for Charities and tax from the ACNC 

As a CBAA member you have access to a free 20-minute telephone consultation with a media law solicitor through the HWL Ebsworth Duty Solicitor Program, once per year.

Contact [email protected] to arrange it. For questions beyond that scope, HWL Ebsworth can quote for further advice.

Further reading:

• Visit HWL Ebsworth Lawyers website

Members have access to one free hour of professional consultation with the Centre for Volunteering each year. Contact the CBAA team on [email protected] or (02) 9310 2999 to arrange it.

The CBAA Volunteer Management Toolkit is also available in the resource library.

Further reading:

• Download the CBAA Volunteer Management Toolkit

CBAA members get discounted access to GiveNow for online donations and subscriber programs. Contact [email protected] to get started. GiveNow uses Stripe for payment processing – you'll need a Stripe account connected before going live.

Further reading:

• Find out more about GiveNow

Not all media agencies operate the same way, and some arrangements can leave stations worse off. Here are the key things to look for.

A legitimate agency works on commission and presents your best available rate to sponsors. A red flag: if an agency doesn't take commission or offers to pay your rate card price directly, they may be on-selling your inventory at a much higher rate and pocketing the difference.

Be very wary of exclusivity requests. Most legitimate agencies don't require exclusivity, and agreeing to it can significantly limit your options.

CBAA endorses Spots & Space as the national sales representative for community radio. For broader guidance on working with media sales organisations, see the CBAA resource on engaging external sales representatives.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Spots & Space

Spots & Space is a national media representation agency that secures sponsorship revenue for community, multicultural, First Nations, and radio reading services across Australia. They pitch your station to national advertisers and media agencies, converting those relationships into sponsorship campaigns that air on your station.

Further reading:

• Learn about Spots & Space

Spots & Space earn a commission on the sponsorship revenue they generate for your station. There's no upfront fee or retainer – you only pay when they deliver a booking.

Yes. Spots & Space need a signed representation agreement before they can pitch your station for sponsorship campaigns.

To get started, contact their media partnerships team at [email protected] or (02) 8090 7711.

Make sure Spots & Space have your current media kit – audience data, demographics, coverage area, and rates. Without it, they can't make a strong case for your station to potential sponsors. A direct conversation with their sales team is the fastest way to find out what campaigns are active and where your station fits.

Contact: [email protected] or (02) 8090 7711.

No. They are a non-exclusive representative. You can work with other sales agents at the same time, and many stations do. You can also continue to sell sponsorship directly – Spots & Space focus on national campaigns and agency relationships that complement your own local sales efforts.

CBAA and Disability Media Australia are minority shareholders in Spots & Space, and CBAA endorses them as community radio's national media sales representative. Spots & Space operate independently – they set their own commercial terms, manage their own client relationships, and are responsible for their own sales performance.

The results demonstrate real value for the sector. In 2023/24, Spots & Space distributed over $3 million in sponsorship revenue to community broadcasters – a 23% increase on the previous year.

CBAA does not manage the day-to-day relationship between Spots & Space and individual stations. Questions about representation agreements, bookings, or performance should go directly to the Spots & Space team: [email protected] or (02) 8090 7711.

Raise it directly with the Spots & Space team first. In our experience, a direct conversation resolves most issues faster than anything else. Contact them at [email protected] or (02) 8090 7711.

If you've done that and the issue remains unresolved, contact the CBAA Advocacy team. We want to know when the relationship isn't working.

The CBF distributes over $28 million annually to community media organisations. There are four main grant streams:

• Content Grants – content that increases and diversifies Australian media voices
• Specialist Radio Programming – for First Nations, ethnic, print-disabled, and LGBTIQA+ communities
• Development & Operations (D&O) – capability and infrastructure including equipment, training, governance, and strategy
• Quick Response – for emergency and unforeseen needs, available year-round

There are two main rounds per year. Round 1 typically distributes a larger portion of the annual funding than Round 2, so it's worth planning your application well in advance.

Eligibility varies by grant stream. The CBF recognises the following as community media organisations:

• long-term community broadcasters licensed by the ACMA
• temporary and trial community broadcasters licensed by the ACMA; and
• incorporated not-for-profit organisations whose primary business is providing services to community broadcasters.

The CBF FAQ is the most reliable source for current eligibility details – check it before applying.

Further reading:

• Find out more about CBF Grants
• CBF answers all your grant questions on their FAQ page
• Access CBF Quick Response Grants

Applications are made directly through the CBF at cbf.org.au. Before you start, get in touch with your CBF Grant Administrator – they know the programs well and can save you a lot of time. Don't wait until your application is nearly due.

CBAA has a pre-recorded grant writing webinar on CBAA Learning worth watching before you start your application.

Further reading:

• Apply for a CBF grant
• Got a question about CBF Grants? Visit their FAQ page
• Contact the CBF Grants Support Team
• Learn the Essentials of Grant Writing at CBAA Learning

The most effective radiothons – sometimes called annual appeals – lead with what the station does for its community, not with how much it needs help.

Frame your campaign around impact:

• what has your station achieved?
• who has it served?
• what stories has it told?
• what difference has it made?

Listeners respond to purpose and pride, not appeals to keep the lights on.

Good practice includes sharing specific stories and examples during the broadcast:

• a program that helped a local community group
• a presenter who came up through the station
• an outside broadcast that brought people together

Concrete impact is more compelling than general statements about community radio.

Pair that with a clear ask - what will their donation make possible – and a specific, achievable target.

Beyond the framing, a few practical foundations matter.

Understand the fundraising rules that apply in your state or territory before you start – these differ across Australia. If your station is registered as a charity, your board has oversight responsibilities for fundraising that need to be understood. If you have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, make that clear to donors – eligible gifts may be tax deductible, which can encourage larger contributions.

Set a clear financial goal and give your radiothon a specific purpose – fundraising for a piece of equipment, a program, or a community initiative. A concrete target gives your team and your listeners something to work towards.

Local business partnerships can strengthen both participation and outcomes – involve your community wherever you can.

Be realistic about capacity. A radiothon takes significant time, energy, and coordination from staff and volunteers. Plan accordingly.

CBAA has additional radiothon and fundraising resources in development – check the Resource Library for updates.

Further reading:

• Access CBAA Fundraising resources

An Acknowledgement of Country is not required by the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, but it is strongly recommended and a meaningful way to contribute to your broader obligations under Code 7.

Code 7.1 requires all licensed community radio stations to demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and experiences in everything they broadcast. The Code 7 guidance notes specifically list an Acknowledgement of Country as one of the actions stations should take to meet this obligation.

Community radio reaches around five million people across Australia. The way stations represent First Nations peoples shapes how the broader public understands First Nations issues. An Acknowledgement of Country is a straightforward, meaningful way to signal that your station takes this seriously.

Beyond compliance, it is the right thing to do. Incorporating an Acknowledgement of Country into your broadcasts shows respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols and recognises that your transmitter reaches Country that has belonged to First Nations peoples for more than 65,000 years.

Further reading:

• Learn about First Nations Engagement and Programming in Code 7 from the Codes of Practice (2025)
• Read the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025

A Welcome to Country is delivered by Traditional Owners, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been given permission by Traditional Owners, to welcome visitors to their Country. It is a formal cultural protocol for significant events and requires the involvement of the right people from the relevant community. A Welcome to Country cannot be done on behalf of someone else.

An Acknowledgement of Country can be offered by any person – any presenter, any volunteer, any staff member. It is the appropriate form for regular on-air use.

Further reading:

• Find out more about Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country from Reconciliation Australia

There is no prescribed wording – just be sincere and, where possible, research the Country you are acknowledging.

A simple form: "I'd like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we broadcast today, and pay my respects to Elders past and present."

A more specific form: "I'd like to acknowledge the [people] of the [nation], the Traditional Owners of the Country on which we broadcast, and pay my respects to Elders past and present."

Use the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia to find the right nation name for your area. Your local Aboriginal Land Council can also advise. The Code 7.2 guidance notes remind stations to check the correct pronunciation of names and words in language with local First Nations people or organisations.

Further reading:

• Learn about the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia
• Read about Code 7 - First Nations Engagement and Programming from the Code of Practice (2025) 

The Codes do not set a specific frequency. The Code 7 guidance notes describe it as something to include "where appropriate."

Generally accepted practice is at least once per broadcast day – typically at the start of the broadcast day or at the top of a significant program. Some stations include it at the start of each presenter's shift.

Consistency matters more than frequency. A station that acknowledges Country regularly and genuinely is far better placed to demonstrate compliance with Code 7 than one that does it occasionally or without thought.

Further reading:

• Learn how to apply Code 7: First Nations Engagement and Programming from the Codes of Practice (2025) 

Either is fine. A recorded acknowledgement, voiced by a presenter or a local First Nations community member, works well for automated segments or when live delivery is not practical. If you use a recorded version, review it periodically to make sure the wording still reflects your community relationships and any guidance from local First Nations organisations.

The Codes of Practice apply to licensed broadcast content only. However, CBAA encourages stations to treat online and streaming content the same way – consistency across platforms reflects better on your station and its relationship with First Nations communities.

A written Acknowledgement of Country on your website, email signatures, and social media is also good practice.

Further reading:

• Learn the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025

An Acknowledgement of Country is not required by the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, but it is strongly recommended. It is a meaningful way to contribute to your broader obligations under Code 7, which requires all stations to demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures and experiences.

For a fuller guide to Acknowledgement of Country on air – including what to say, how often, and whether recorded acknowledgements are acceptable – see the dedicated FAQs in this section.

Further reading:

• Learn more about Acknowledgement of Country from Reconciliation Australia
• Study the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• A Quick Guide to Reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Issues Media Diversity Australia

Cultural protocols around this vary significantly from community to community – there is no single rule that applies across all First Nations cultures. In some communities, a deceased person's name, image, or voice should not be used during the mourning period. That period can range from weeks to years, or indefinitely – it is determined by the family or community.

If the family or community has made a public statement, follow it.

If no public statement exists, try to contact the artist's family or community. When making contact, avoid using the person's name initially – make the context of your request clear without it. If contact isn't possible within your timeframe, the conservative approach is to hold off until you have permission.

If you do play the music, include a cultural warning.  A standard format is:

• "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this program may contain the voices of people who have died."

Code 7 of the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice sets out your broader obligations around First Nations engagement and cultural sensitivity – the guidance material is worth reading.

Further reading:

• Read CBAA's Guidance material on Code 7: First Nations Engagement and Programming
• Get familiar with Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• Visit First Nations Media Australia
• Read Diversity Arts Australia – Reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Issues
• Read SBS – Indigenous cultural protocols: depicting deceased persons

Culturally sensitive broadcasting starts with awareness that words, images, and stories have real impact on the communities they concern. Community radio stations have both an obligation and an opportunity to get this right.

The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice set the framework. Code 4 prohibits material that expresses, provokes or perpetuates hatred, serious contempt or significant ridicule of any person or group. Code 7 sets out specific obligations around First Nations engagement and cultural sensitivity. Both have detailed guidance material on the CBAA website.

A few key principles apply across all communities:

• Use the right language. Different communities have strong preferences about how they are described. For First Nations peoples, preferred terminology includes Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or First Nations – ask individuals and communities how they prefer to be referred to.
• For people with disability, use person-first language as a default – "person with disability" rather than "disabled person" – unless the individual prefers otherwise. Avoid terms that are derogatory or that reduce people to their disability, background, or identity.

Centre the voices of those with lived experience. When covering issues that affect a particular community, involve people from that community in the conversation. Don't speak for communities – speak with them.

Use content warnings appropriately. Warnings help audiences make informed decisions about content. The ABC guidance on use of warnings and support services is a useful reference for when and how to use them.

For First Nations content specifically, be mindful of cultural protocols around deceased persons, sacred material, and community-specific practices.

If you're unsure, ask. Contact CBAA at [email protected] and we can help you navigate specific situations.

Further reading:

• Read more about Code 4: Material not suitable for broadcast from the Codes of Practice 2025
• Learn more about Code 7: First Nations Engagement and Programming from the Code of Practice 2025
• Read more about the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025
• Refer to the ABC – Use of warnings and support services or helplines
• PWDA – What do I say? A guide to language about disability
• Media Diversity Australia – A Quick Guide to Reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Issues