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Submissions

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The CBAA has made the following submissions on behalf of the community broadcasting sector.  

 

2024

Submission to The News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP) Consultation

The CBAA argues that this Government program to support for public interest journalism and media diversity in Australia needs to reflect a strong understanding of the community sector’s contribution and ensure eligibility criteria for assistance includes community media.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission to NewsMAP Consultation.pdf

 

Response to the Future Foundations for Giving Draft Report

The CBAA made a submission to the Productivity Commission on the Future Foundations for Giving draft report. The CBAA supported the report’s finding that the deductible gift recipient system needs reform and joined with the Local & Independent News Association’s to recommend that a defined charity subtype be established for public interest journalism.

 

PDF icon CBAA Response to the Future Foundations for Giving Draft Report.pdf

 

Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2024-2025

The CBAA is seeking a substantially increased funding allocation for community broadcasters in the 2024/25 Federal Budget to deliver Roadmap 2033: Community Broadcasting’s plan for greater impact in every Australian Community. Increased, long-term and secure funding from the Australian Government is critical to support community broadcasting to deliver positive impact for our communities. 

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Budget 2024 -2025.pdf

 

Submission regarding the Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-Siphoning) Bill 2023

Our submission supports Government reform to legislate a new prominence framework for connected TV devices as an important step to level the playing field for free-to-air broadcasting services and ensure that local TV services can be easily found on TV devices.

CBAA and ACTA have requested amendments to the Bill to ensure community TV is treated equally to commercial and public broadcasting services.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Senate Committee on TV prominence Legislation.pdf

 

2023 

Submission to the Copyright Legislation Amendment (Fair Pay for Radio Play) Bill 2023

Our submission argues that community broadcasters are committed to actively supporting Australian music and recording artists. To do this, community broadcasting operations must be financially sustainable. The CBAA requests that community broadcasters are recognised for the unique role of in supporting the growth of new and diverse Australian music and that the sustainability of the community sector is enhanced as a result of any reform.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Copyright Act (Fair Play) Bill.pdf

 

Submission to the Multicultural Framework Review Panel

Our submission argues for community broadcasting to be recognised as an important contributor to advancing Australian multiculturalism. The CBAA asks the Multicultural Framework Review Panel (the Panel) to recognise the contribution community broadcasters make to support social and economic inclusion, and community connection. We encourage the Panel to support and advocate for increased financial support for community broadcasters from the Commonwealth Government as an important action to meet the current and future needs of multicultural Australia.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Multicultural Framework Review Submission.pdf

 

Submission to the Murdoch Media Inquiry Bill Review

The CBAA has made a submission to the Murdoch Media Inquiry Bill Review welcoming the examination of issues as part of ongoing work to improve the quality and accessibility of media for Australians and to support the community broadcasting sector as part of a healthy and diverse media.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Letter re Murdoch Royal Commission Bill.pdf

 

Community broadcasting is an important part of Arts, Culture & Creative Industries

The CBAA welcomes the NSW State Government’s commitment to growing arts, culture and creative industries. The CBAA supports the NSW Government’s alignment to the National Cultural Policy and recommends it support local community broadcasters as part of policy to grow arts, culture and the creative industries.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Create NSW.pdf

 

New Framework for Measuring Media Diversity in Australia

CBAA supports the ACMA's efforts to establish a framework for measuring the Australian news market. We believe that pluralism is an essential component of a healthy media ecosystem, and a more detailed and nuanced evidence base for policy-making is necessary to promote the production and dissemination of a broad range of information and viewpoints across the media market. Community broadcasting is a key contributor to each of the proposed new measurement indicators in the new framework. To ensure that the contribution of the community broadcasting sector is accurately captured, the scope and definition of some of the draft measures will need to be reframed.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - New Framework for Measuring Media Diversity in Australia.pdf

 

Prominence Framework for Connected TV Devices

The CBAA has made a submission to the Federal government’s consultation on proposed “prominence” regulations for internet-connected televisions. We support the introduction of regulations to ensure that free-to-air broadcasts remain easily discoverable, are free to access and cannot be altered without the broadcaster’s consent, which are all critical for the ongoing visibility of community television stations. CBAA supports similar regulations to ensure the prominence of free-to-air community radio on connected radio devices, such as smart speakers and car radios. These are due to be considered in an upcoming government consultation.

 

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Prominence Framework for Connected TV Devices - Proposals Paper.pdf

 

Disaster Resilience

The CBAA has made a submission to the Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience. We explained community media is a key stakeholder in public safety for disaster resilience prevention, management and recovery. We requested support from government towards a national approach for the certification of community radio stations as official emergency broadcasters. We want to partner and collaborate with government for infrastructure and capacity building and to ensure regionally at-risk stations maintain capability.  

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Disaster Resilience.pdf
 

Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Registers Reform

The CBAA supports the proposed Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Registers Reform objective to make all DGR categories consistent in administration, reduce red tape imposed on endorsed organisations, and simplify the application process for organisations seeking DGR status.

PDF icon CBAA Submission - Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Registers Reform.pdf
 

Measuring What Matters

The CBAA submits that an Australian Framework to measure progress and well-being should recognise and refer to the non-economic indicators of well-being supported by artistic and cultural engagement, volunteerism, community participation and connection and social cohesion and trust. Community broadcasting should be recognised for its unique contribution to supporting these social outcomes and policy objectives.


PDF icon CBAA Submission - Measuring What Matters.pdf
 

CBAA Pre-Budget Submission 

The CBAA has made a submission requesting that the community broadcasting sector's annual allocation (through the Government's Community Broadcasting Program) be increased to $25.97m. 
 

PDF icon 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission.pdf

 

2022 

 

CBAA Submission to the Inquiry into the 2022 federal election

The CBAA made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters recommending that the media blackout, known as the relevant period in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 be reviewed with a view that the restrictions on community and commercial radio and television broadcasters be removed.
 

 

Broadcasting Services (Broadcasting Service Definition - Exclusion) Determination 2019

The CBAA supported the remaking of the Determination for the time period that best facilitates certainty and stability for industry while broader regulatory reforms are developed and progressed.
 
 

New National Cultural Policy submission

The CBAA has made a submission to the consultation on a new National Cultural Policy. The CBAA emphasised the unique and transformative role played by community broadcasters in supporting creative and cultural industries to find an audience and build a platform for growth. We highlighted the incredible work that stations are doing to champion local arts and artists. We called for the new policy to recognise community broadcasting as an integral part of the arts and culture ecosystem in Australia.
 
 

Independent review of Australia’s COVID-19 response

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia made a submission to the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Minderoo Foundation and the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation's independent review of the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlighted the critical role played by community broadcasters in delivering local information and connecting their communities through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and recommended that the community broadcasting sector should be better utilised in government health and other advertising campaigns, including its COVID-19 campaign, to amplify messaging to otherwise under-served communities and provide targeted financial support to local community stations.
 

 

Review of the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, First Nations Media Australia and the Local & Independent News Association prepared a joint submission reviewing the operation of the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code from the perspective independent, community-based news publishers and broadcasters. We explained that the code has had minimal impact on our sectors and outlined the considerable challenges to smaller media organisations in utilising the Code.
 
 

NSW Government Flood Inquiries

The CBAA has made submissions to the NSW Government on the vital role played by local community broadcasters during the 2022 flooding and other emergencies. We have provided a submission to the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry and the Inquiry into the response to major flooding across New South Wales.
 

 

Proposed principles for planning AM to FM conversions in regional licence areas

The CBAA has made a submission to the ACMA’s consultation on adopting a set of principles to guide the planning of AM to FM conversions in regional radio licence areas. The submission makes some recommendations on the proposed principles and supports the continuing consideration of community radio services on a case-by-case basis, in line with the ACMA approach to broadcast spectrum planning and varying licence area plans. The submission also stresses that channels used by a long-term TCBL should not be set aside in favour of enabling AM to FM conversion. 
 
 

ACMA five-year spectrum outlook 2022-27 and 2022-23 work program

The CBAA has provided comments on the consultation draft of the ACMA Five-Year Spectrum Outlook 2022-27 with a specific focus on the work program for the upcoming year 2022-23. The CBAA comments are focussed primarily on optimising established planning frameworks and broadcasting, and specifically in regard to the immediate-term planning priorities for spectrum planning and licensing.
 

 

Renewing a Vital Indigenous Voice and Community Asset - The Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector

The CBAA has responded to the Renewing a Vital Indigenous Voice and Community Asset - The Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector report commissioned by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. We stressed the need for additional funding for First Nations stations and supported the CBF’s role in delivering grants to community media, emphasising their unique understanding of the diverse needs of our sector. We expressed our support for the report’s recommendations on the need for upgrades to infrastructure across the sector and highlighted the need for training and upskilling of technical personnel. 
 
 

2022-2023 Pre-Budget Submission

Our 2022-2023 Pre-Budget Submission provides the details of the community broadcasting sector’s request that our annual allocation be increased from $20.37m to $25.37m. The additional $5m, distributed through CBF grants, would assist stations to - upgrade ageing technology, create employment opportunities, increase local news reporting capacity and recover from natural disasters and COVID-19. We highlight the value that $5m would have in providing stations with a strong base from which to adapt and innovate - supporting their communities when they need it most.
 
 

Development of a National Anti-Racism Framework

The CBAA has made some recommendation to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s consultation on the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework. We have voiced our support for the development of a Framework and suggested the need for - a Guiding Principle about diverse voices being meaningfully and significantly represented in the media; and a National Outcome about inclusion, participation and access to media.
 
 

Australia's regional newspapers

The CBAA has made a submission to the Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers. Our submission highlights the innovation and creativity stations have shown in adapting to the changing needs of their communities and showcases emerging models for hyperlocal news production where community broadcasters have drawn on their existing community support network to save their local paper from extinction.
 
 
 

2021

 

Revised B66 Form

In September 2021, the CBAA together with other sector bodies provided recommendations to the ACMA's consultation on streamlining the community broadcasting licence renewal form (the B66 form).
 
 

Broadcasting Services (Remote Indigenous Communities) Determination 2011

The CBAA joined with First Nations Media Australia to state the continuing need for the Broadcasting Services (Remote Indigenous Communities) Determination 2011 ahead of it sunsetting on 1 April 2022.
 
 

ACNC reporting thresholds

In March 2021, Commonwealth Treasury led a consultation on proposed changes to financial reporting thresholds for charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The proposed changes include the raising of thresholds for reporting, as part of an effort to promote alignment across the federal and state reporting regimes. The CBAA submission congratulates the work done to date, towards aligning those thresholds, and continues to be available for continued conversations on how to further that alignment.  You can read our submission in full, below. 
 
 
In October 2021, the Commonwealth Treasury sought stakeholder views on exposure draft legislation implementing reforms to reduce red tape for, and increase transparency of, the charity sector. The CBAA expressed our support for higher annual revenue thresholds and recommended that thresholds be harmonised across all jurisdictions, with relevant information shared via the ACNC Charity Passport, including to the ACMA.
 
 

Proposal to vary the Queensland digital radio channel plan

The CBAA has made comments on the ACMA's Proposal to vary the Queensland digital radio channel plan in a follow up to our response on the previous consultation paper circulated by the ACMA in September 2020.
 
 

FM broadcasting services band in the Perth RA1 licence area

In April 2021, the ACMA released an options paper to consult on options to replan the FM broadcasting services band in Perth. A number of the options proposed impact upon community radio broadcasters, requiring either a change of frequency or a change of transmission site location: specifically regarding 6KCR, 6SEN and 6WSM. As part of the mix of primary radio services in Perth, the situation of community metropolitan-wide AM radio reading service, 6RPH, also needs to considered. The replanning also provides opportunity to tidy up and amend several long-standing historical anomalies related to 6NME, 6EBA, and 6NR. In its response, the CBAA made a number of points in support of the needs of community broadcasters to provide the best outcome for stations and listeners, including better DAB+ digital radio service outcomes. As the proposal currently stands, the CBAA would not support the ACMA moving to consult on a formal variation to the Perth RA1 LAP.
 
 

Media Reform Green Paper: Modernising television regulation

From November 2020 to May 2021, the Government sought views on the proposed measures outlined in its Media Reform Green Paper.
The CBAA provided a response to the Government's Media Reform Green Paper. The Paper recognises that Government public policy and cultural objectives rely heavily on free-to-air broadcasting: both television and radio. The CBAA's submission outlined a number of points regarding, the repurpose of spectrum used by television; multiplex capacity sharing; the licensing framework; funding for transition and content; satellite, online, free-to-air and the role of community broadcasting.
 
 

Temporary Community Broadcasting Licences

The CBAA made a submission to the ACMA’s 2021 consultation on revising the Temporary Community Broadcasting Guidelines.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2020

 

Media Diversity in Australia

On 11 November 2020, the Senate referred an inquiry into the state of media diversity, independence and reliability in Australia to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee for report by 31 March 2021. The CBAA made a submission, focusing on community broadcasting's unique role in Australia' media landscape and wide listenership; the sector's size and point of difference; hyperlocal news and journalism production; the increase of news and public interest journalism in the community radio sector; and barriers and challenges facing the sector. The CBAA proposed recommendations for optimised funding arrangements for the sector, regulatory reform to enhance the sector's impact; and broad Government support measures that would enhance public interest journalism.
 
 

Australia’s creative and cultural industries and institutions

On 26 August 2020 Minister for Communications, Hon Paul Fletcher MP asked the Committee to inquire into and report on Australia’s creative and cultural industries and institutions. The CBAA made a submission in October 2020, which focused on community radio's role as a connector and nurturer of the creative and cultural industries; employment and training opportunities across the sector; challenges faced by the sector due to COVID-19; and opportunities to optimise the funding and regulatory environment within which the sector operates.
 
 

CBAA Submission to ACMA Digital Radio Expansion Deeming Principles 

The CBAA has responded to the ACMA consultation paper, ‘Expansion of digital radio to regional Australia, Proposed principles for licence area deeming’ which proposes a set of principles to guide the ACMA’s deeming powers under subsection 8AD(3) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
 
 

CBAA Submission to ACMA Proposal to vary the QLD DRCP and declare a foundation DRMT licence for the Gold Coast

The CBAA has responded to the ACMA proposal to vary the Queensland Digital Radio Channel Plan (DRCP) and declare a foundation Digital Radio Multiplex Transmitter (DRMT) licence for the Gold Coast.
 
 

Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill

Spectrum is essential to today's digitally-networked economy and is a major contributor to Australia's economic and social wellbeing. Management of spectrum is legislated under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act). In October 2019, the Government committed to progressing a set of targeted amendments which will update and streamline the Act. On the 24 June 2020 consultation opened on a draft bill package which included targeted amendments focussed on removing existing unnecessary prescription and legislative barriers. The CBAA  submission provides high-level comments on the effects of the Bill on community broadcasting, as well as points regarding studio-to-transmitter linking, digital radio, digital television and broadcasting and online delivery.
 
 
The CBAA also submitted this to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications's inquiry into the Radiocommunications Bills 2020 in September 2020. After appearing at the inquiry's public hearing, the CBAA made the following additional submission:
 
 

ACCC News Media Bargaining Code

On 20 April 2020, the Australian Government announced it had directed the ACCC to develop a mandatory code of conduct to address bargaining power imbalances between Australian news media businesses and each of Google and Facebook. The CBAA and First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) made a joint submission to the ACCC’s Concepts Paper on a Mandatory News Media Bargaining Code. The submission addressed some definitional issues in determining news content and access to information. It also encouraged the ACCC to consider community and First Nations media organisations alongside commercial news outlets when determining the best bargaining framework.
 
 
And in August, the CBAA and FNMA made a follow up submission to the ACCC, this time responding to the draft legislation.
 
 
In December 2020, the CBAA and FNMA submitted similar materials to the Economics Legislation Committee inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Bill 2020, further seeking the community broadcasting sector's inclusion.
 
 

Emergency Broadcasting

Community radio stations play a critical role in communities, particularly regional communities, both during natural disasters and in the recovery. These submissions highlight the role played by community broadcasters during the 2019-20 bushfire emergencies and other natural disasters; the challenges stations faced both during and in the aftermath of these natural disasters; the Victorian emergency broadcasting model and how it could be adapted as part of a national approach; and the need for involvement and integration of the community radio sector in the Government’s recovery programs and natural disaster planning.
 
Royal Commission 2020
 
Senate Inquiry
 

COVID-19

On 8 April 2020, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on COVID-19 to inquire into the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CBAA's submission focused on community radio’s unique role and listenership across Australia; challenges faced by community radio stations during COVID-19 and the sector’s response; the community radio sector’s involvement in the Government’s COVID-19 campaign; issues preventing the community radio sector from being fully utilised in Government campaigns; and recommendations to ensure the community radio sector can be fully utilised in future Government campaigns.
 
 

Digital Technology Hub

In February 2020, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications called for submissions regarding the design and implementation of an online Digital Technology Hub that will support regional, rural and remote Australians to make the most of telecommunications services. The CBAA made a submission outlining the unique position of community radio stations in non-metro Australia, and how they are well-placed to promote the service to their communities.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2019

 

ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry

On 4 December 2017, the then Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, directed the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) to conduct an inquiry into digital platforms. The CBAA made a submission focused on the recommendations covering a harmonised media regualtory framework, funding for local and specialised news reporting, and philanthropic support for media organisations.
 
 

Regional Australia Inquiry

On 25 July 2019 the Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Hon Michelle Landry MP, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on matters affecting Regional Australia. In November 2019, the CBAA made a submission outlining the contribution of community radio to regional Australia (by enabling community participation, overcoming social isolation, providing local news and information, contributing to national identity, supporting music and arts, and providing emergency broadcasts); the operating challenges faced by community radio in regional Australia; and what better support might enable regional broadcasters to best serve their communities.
 
 

Rental arrangements of communication towers on Crown Land

The NSW Government asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART) to review the rental arrangements for communication towers on Crown Lands. IPART sought feedback on updating rents to reflect recent market changes, improve simplicity and transparency and help facilitate the roll out of emerging technologies. The CBAA made a submission to the Draft Report in September 2019, outlining key concerns about changes and costs which would adversely effect community radio stations.
 
 

Future Delivery of Radio Services in Australia

In May 2019, the ACMA released a discussion paper seeking feedback from industry about the drivers of radio industry change; the suitability of alternative audio content delivery platforms; alternative spectrum approaches needed to support radio in the future; and the impact of new delivery platforms on broadcasting policy objectives and the existing regulatory framework. The CBAA, after consulting with members, Sector Representative Organisations and key stakeholders made a submission. The CBAA's submission emphasised that any changes to legislation, regulation or how services are broadcast must continue to enshrine key principles for the public good: that there is diversity in terms of media ownership and control, and that a mix of broadcast services remain free-to-receive. We put forward positions in support of options for extending digital radio, and mechanisms to support the future of free-to-air radio in the digital age.
 
 

Press Freedom

In July 2019, the Australia’s Right To Know (ARTK) media industry advocacy group, which includes the CBAA, made a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press.  In September 2019, the ARTK coalition made a similar submission to the Environment and Communications References Committee inquiry into Press Freedom. The submissions addressed several key issues regarding the need to uphold the public's right to know. They highlighted the need for protection for whistleblowers, increasing transparency of Government documents and a robust freedom of information regime, defamation law reform, and a review of national security laws that impede journalists' ability to do their jobs.
 
 

Assessment of Access Undertaking for Digital Radio Multiplex Transmission Services in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart

This submission contains follow up comments made by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on the Assessment of Access Undertaking for Digital Radio Multiplex Transmission Services in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart 
 
 

Proposed digital radio channel plan and foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licence declaration for Mandurah, WA

The CBAA has made comments in relation to the ACMA’s proposal to vary the Radiocommunications (Digital Radio Channels – Western Australia) Plan 2007 to insert a new DRCP in a new schedule to allot and reserve frequency blocks, determine lcence types and determine the technical specifications for digital radio services in the Mandurah RA1 licence area.
 
 

Proposal to deem a licence area for community digital radio broadcasting in Hobart

The CBAA has made comments in relation to the ACMA consultation paper; Proposal to deem a licence area for community digital radio broadcasting in Hobart expressing our support for the ACMA proposal to deem the Hobart RA3 licence area to be the same as the Hobart RA1 licence area for the purposes of digital radio.
 
 

Joint Select Committee on Sydney's night time economy

In July 2019, the CBAA made a submission to the Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s Night Time Economy, outlining the unique role community broadcasting plays in Sydney. This includes by serving as catalysts for building diverse and passionate music and arts communities, and by supporting vibrant scenes and the venues, businesses and employees that host them. Further, community broadcasting provides opportunities for people to positively contribute to Sydney’s music and arts culture by being an important conduit for skills, training and employment and through local partnerships.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2018

 

Assessment of Access Undertaking for Digital Radio Multiplex Transmission Services in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart

The CBAA has made comments in relation to the ACCC’s consultation and position paper regarding three new access undertakings received in relation to the commencement of digital radio services in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart. The three undertakings were lodged by the Digital Radio Multiplex Transmitter (DRMT) licensees of Canberra, Darwin and Hobart and are identical.
 
 

Inquiry into the Australian music industry

In August 2018, the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry. The CBAA made a submission to the Inquiry, highlighting the pivotal role community radio plays across the country in shaping and supporting local music scenes. The submission highlighted the wide-reach and listenership of community radio, its unique role within the broader music industry, its important role in regional communities, and some recent examples of related policy and program success from across the country supporting the sector. The CBAA also underlined the need for greater policy support and funding certainty to ensure community broadcasting can operate and plan over the longer term and ensure the sector’s public good contributions for all Australians can continue.
 
 

Charity Fundraising in the 21st Century

On 19 June 2018, the Senate established the Select Committee on Charity Fundraising in the 21st Century to inquire and report on the current framework of fundraising regulation for charities and options for reform. The CBAA made a submission, recommending a coordinated and streamlined national fundraising regulatory scheme, which would address inconsistencies, duplication, lack of clarity and wasted resources of the current layered state-based system.
 
 

Tax Deductible Gift Recipient Reform Opportunities

In August 2017, the CBAA made a submission in regards to potential reforms to the Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) tax arrangements. DGR status allows an organisation to receive gifts and contributions for which donors are able to claim a tax deduction. The DGR tax arrangements are intended to encourage philanthropy and provide support for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.
 
 

Inquiry into the music and arts economy in New South Wales

In July 2018, the CBAA made a submission to the inquiry into music and arts economy in New South Wales.
 
 

Review of VAST

In June 2018 the CBAA responded to the Department of Communications and the Arts request for submissions for their review of the VAST service, to assess its performance since its commencement in 2010 and to consider options on how best to provide free-to-air broadcasting services to areas without reliable access to local terrestrial TV transmissions.
 
 

Australian content on broadcast, radio and streaming services

In June 2018, the Environment and Communications References Committee commenced a review into Australian content on broadcast, radio and streaming services. The CBAA prepared a response addressing the value and importance of local content and comunity broadcasting services.
 
 

Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund

In March 2018, the CBAA made a submission to the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund consultation.
 
 

Review of digital broadcast radio facilities legislative instruments

In 2018 the ACCC is conducting a review to assess the continuing need for two digital broadcast radio facilities legislative instruments which are due to sunset on 1 October 2018.
 
 

Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Foreign Media Ownership and Community Radio) Bill 2017

The Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Foreign Media Ownsership and Community Radio) was introduced to the Senate in December 2017, with the intent to strengthen localism in community radio broadcasting. The CBAA advocated for any changes to strike a balance between providing clarity for the sector, while avoiding overly prescriptive or burdensome requirements.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2017

 

Broadcasting Services Determination Deemed Digital Radio Licence Areas

This submission contains the CBAA's Comments in relation to the ACMA consultation paper 'Remake of the Broadcasting Services (Deemed Digital Radio Areas) Determination 2007' and deeming additional licence areas in Canberra and Darwin.
 
 

Spectrum Review

The CBAA made a submission in relation to the Radiocommunications Bill 2017, Broadcasting Spectrum and Spectrum Pricing consultation package issued by the Department of Communications in August 2017.
 
 

Future of Public Interest Journalism

In June 2017, the CBAA made a submission to the newly established Select Committee on the Future of Public Interest Journalism. The Committee will look into the current state of public interest journalism in Australia and around the world, the future of public and community broadcasters in delivering public interest journalism, particularly in underserviced markets like regional Australia, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and other aspects of public interest journalism, such as fake news. The CBAA's submission adds to the many voices calling for greater support and certainty for Australia’s community broadcasters who deliver high-quality and diverse public interest journalism, particularly in underserviced markets like regional Australia, indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
 
 

Revised B66 Form

In May 2017, the CBAA provided further advice to the ACMA in relation to the application process for the renewal of community radio broadcasting licences.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2016

 

Inquiry into broadcasting, online content and live production to rural and regional Australia

The CBAA has made a submission to the Federal House of Representatives Inquiry into broadcasting, online content and live production to regional and rural Australia. The CBAA submission pointed out not only the coverage of community radio stations, but also their importance in being in, of and for regional communities. The CBAA offered to provide more specific details about our sector directly to the committee during hearings.
 
 

Federal Budget

 
 

2015

 

Temporary Community Broadcasting Licences

The Temporary Community Broadcasting Licence Determination was due to expire in April 2015. In the lead up, the ACMA requested feedback from stakeholders on a proposal to remake the instrument with minor changes, to ensure that it remained in ongoing effect. The CBAA prepared a submission responding to the proposed changes. 
 
 

CBF Structure and Governance Review

In April 2014, the CBF began a review of its structure and governance, appointing Nous Group to undertake an independent assessment. More information the CBAA's participation process is available here. The CBAA's two submissions to the CBF, from November 2014 and July 2015, are available to download below.
 
 

Community Television

In January 2015, the Department of Communications circulated the Digital Television Regulation consultation paper. The consultation paper outlines several policy principles to be considered when reforming the regulation of television services. The CBAA is a stakeholder in this process as the peak body for community broadcasting in Australia. Community television licensees are represented by the Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) and the CBAA continues to advocate the public policy and regulatory principles that underpin community broadcasting generally.
 
 
 

2014

 

Community Digital Radio creating diversity, extending choice

The CBAA has made comments in relation to two statutory reviews of digital radio issues being conducted in accordance with section 215B of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA) and section 313B of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Radiocommunications Act
 
 

Spectrum Review

In December 2014, the CBAA made a submission in response to the Department of Communications Spectrum Review consultation paper. The consultation paper was part of a review of spectrum policy arrangements first announced by the Minister for Communications in May 2014, and explores proposals intended to maximise the economic and social return from spectrum.
 
 
 

2013

 

Senate Inquiry into Simulcasting

On 21 March 2013 the Senate referred the effectiveness of current regulatory arrangements in dealing with the simultaneous transmission of radio programs using the broadcasting services bands and the Internet ('simulcast') to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications for inquiry and report. The CBAA worked collaboratively with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and made the following joint submissions to the Senate inquiry.
 
 

ACMA Contemporary Community Safeguards Inquiry

In May 2013, the ACMA commenced their Contemporary community safeguards inquiry issues paper to assist them to establish core principles that should guide the broadcasting industry’s code development process. The inquiry covered many issues addressed in the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice including decency, fairness, accuracy and complaints handling. The CBAA prepared a response to the issues paper addressing the core principles of relevance to community broadcasters.
 
 
 

2010

 

Technologies for Digital Radio Services in Regional Australia

This submission responds to the discussion paper on Technologies for Digital Radio Services in Regional Australia released 17 November 2010.
 
 

Revised B66 Form

In November 2010, the CBAA provided advice to the ACMA in relation to the application process for the renewal of community radio broadcasting licences. 
 
 
 

2009

 

Community Broadcasting 'Vision 2015' Submission to Minister Conroy

In October 2009, the CBAA worked with other sector representative organisations to develop a five-year plan to renew Australia’s Community Broadcasting sector and create the world’s most innovative, accessible community media.
 
 
 

2008

 

Digital Radio

In October 2005, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Hon Senator Helen Coonan, announced a framework for digital radio broadcasting in Australia. The first stage applied to metropolitan-wide broadcasting services in capital cities. For more information on digital community radio, head here. Digital radio is a key policy priority for CBAA and the CBAA works closely with government and the wider industry on the issue. 
 
 

Review of digital broadcast radio facilities legislative instruments