New Government consultation on community broadcasting
“Community broadcasting plays an essential role as a platform for the many diverse voices that make up our community – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting the sector, now and into the future. – Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
The Federal Government has published a discussion paper canvassing the sector’s views on ways to make the Government’s support programs for community broadcasting more effective. This includes possible funding, regulatory and legislative options.
Consultation commenced on Friday 21 June in Darwin with a Roundtable with Darwin-based stations which was attended by the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP and the CBAA’s Head of Advocacy and Communication, Reece Kinnane.
The community broadcasting sector is well placed to respond, having recently completed Roadmap 2033: Community Broadcasting’s Plan for Greater Impact in Every Australian Community.
“With consultation kicking off today (Friday), the Government is seeking views to help us advance effective and targeted improvements that support a strong, innovative and sustainable community broadcasting sector.” – Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
A “Have your Say” Webpage has been launched for written submissions.
There will be a series of consultations with community broadcasters in the coming weeks. CBAA has shared contact details for station managers to receive invitations to attend.
All stations are encouraged to reach out to the CBAA’s Head of Advocacy Reece Kinnane for support: [email protected].
Consultation Sessions: Department of Infrastructure (communications)
|
Date |
Location |
|
Tue 2 July |
Melbourne (Face-to-face) |
|
Wed 10 July |
Sydney (Face-to-face) |
|
Thurs 18 July |
Brisbane (Face-to-face) |
|
Mon 22 July |
Perth (Virtual) |
|
Mon 29 July |
Adelaide (Virtual) |
|
Tue 6 Aug |
Other metro broadcaster (Virtual) |
|
Wed 14 Aug Thu 15 Aug |
Regional x2 (Virtual) |
|
Tue 20 Aug |
Rural and Remote (Virtual) |
The Department may contact individual stations to visit their station to understand more about the issues stations face.
Understand the key issues:
Review the Department’s Discussion Paper - Link
Review our Sector’s Roadmap 2033 – Community Broadcasting’s Plan for Greater Impact in Every Australian Community - Link
Review the Evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program - Link
Make a written submission - Have Your Say
Check out CBAA’s fact sheet to support your engagement with this process – 
Link
Contact CBAA Head of Advocacy Reece Kinnane for support: [email protected]