The proposed reforms will help to support free access to televised coverage of iconic sports, including the Olympic Games, cricket, AFL and NRL.
The review of the scheme and list, initiated in late 2022, has found that while the core objective of free access to important events remains sound, the scheme needs to be modernised.
The review has also found that there is a case to broaden the scheme to include online media services and mitigate the risk of events migrating behind paywalls, and no longer being available for free to Australian audiences.
The Australian Government has now put forward three possible models to address this regulatory gap, and the primary focus of each is the extension of the scheme to online media.
The Government’s preferred model affirms free-to-air broadcasting services as the ‘safety net’ for free access to nationally important and culturally significant sporting events for all Australians.
The Government has also proposed a ‘modernised’ list option that would include the Paralympic Games, the finals matches of the AFL Women’s Premiership and the NRL Women’s Premiership and the NRL Women’s State of Origin Series, as well as changes to ensure consistent treatment of Australian national teams across a number of codes, including matches involving the Matildas.
Feedback on the proposals paper will inform the development of legislation to modernise the anti‑siphoning scheme and list, which will be introduced in Parliament in the coming months.
All interested parties are encouraged to make a submission before the closing date of 17 September 2023.
To make a submission and to find out more about the three possible models visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say
Find out more:
- Read the Minister’s media release