The draft instrument would exempt a class of persons from paying the charges if it is a government entity that owns and operates a radio network, and uses it to supply carriage services to other government bodies and non-government organisations for public safety and national security purposes, provided each carriage service the entity supplies is wholly non-commercial or not-for-profit. We are seeking views on whether such an instrument should be made.
Why we want your input
The decision to make the class exemption is a matter for the Minister for Communications. The input of affected parties through this consultation process will be taken into account.How you can voice your opinion
You can voice your opinion by providing a submission to this public consultation process. Submissions are due by 5pm Monday, 20 June 2022.What will be the outcome of this consultation?
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking comments on whether the class of persons that provide operational services to Government agencies on a not for profit basis for the purposes of public safety should be made exempt from the Telecommunications Industry Levy and Annual Carrier Licencing Charge for three years, starting from the 2021–22 financial year.The Issue
The draft instrument would exempt the proposed class of persons from paying the charges a government entity that owns and operates a radio network, and uses it to supply carriage services to other government bodies and non-government organisations for public safety and national security purposes, provided each carriage service the entity supplies is wholly non-commercial or not-for-profit.
The consultation process has been prompted by a request made by the NSW Telecommunications Authority (NSWTA). NSWTA's Government Radio Network provides operational services to a range of Government agencies on a not for profit basis for the purposes of public safety. Prior to December 2021, NSWTA was exempted from the obligation to hold a carrier licence and, consequently, did not pay the charges.
The request has prompted the Government to consider whether a class of entities with similar characteristics to NSWTA should pay the charges.
Relevant documentation
Outcome
Following this consultation, the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, made the Telecommunications (Participating Person Exemption—Public Safety) Determination 2022, which commenced from 28 June 2022.
Participate
10 Jun 2022 17:00 AEST
20 Jun 2022 17:00 AEST
Closed
This consultation is closed.
Submissions
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3
Australia Tower Network (ATN)
Communications Alliance
New South Wales Telecommunications Authority