The Rural and Regional Bill Advocacy was first introduced by Senator Bridget McKenzie in December 2015 and a second time on 15 September 2016. The bill was referred on both occasions to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for review and report.
The intent of the bill is to amend the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (ABC Act) to: amend the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Charter in relation to the delivery of services to rural and regional Australia in each state and territory; impose certain requirements on the ABC and the ABC Board; and provide for the establishment, functions and membership of the Rural and Regional Advisory Council.