Spectrum reform legislative proposals consultation

Listen

The government is seeking input on legislative proposals to improve the management and planning of spectrum in Australia.

Why we want your input

We want your input to inform the development of the new spectrum legislative provisions.

How you can voice your opinion

Tell us what you think verbally or in writing by COB Friday 29 April 2016.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

The development of an exposure draft of the new Radiocommunications Bill.

The Issue

In 2015 the Government agreed to implement the recommendations of the Spectrum Review. One of these recommendations was to replace the current legislative arrangements with new legislation that removed prescriptive process and streamlines licensing, for a simpler and more flexible framework.

The Government has released a Legislative Proposals Consultation Paper on its proposed approach to the Radiocommunications Bill 2016.

The new legislation seeks to make Australia’s spectrum framework simpler, more efficient and flexible to use and better support innovative communication technologies and services.

The proposed approach in preparing draft legislation is to:

simplify regulatory structures for planning, licensing and equipment regulation;
streamline regulatory processes, particularly for allocating licences;
clarify the role for Government, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and spectrum users;
bring broadcasting spectrum into the general spectrum framework while also providing certainty for the broadcasting sector; and
provide for graduated and proportionate enforcement and compliance tools.

Relevant Documentation

Legislative Proposals Consultation Paper Radiocommunications Bill 2016

Published 10th Mar 2016

Download PDF (738.04 KB) Download DOC (763.13 KB)

The new legislation seeks to make Australia’s spectrum framework simpler, more efficient and flexible to use and better support innovative communication technologies and services.