The Bill was introduced by Senator Nick Xenophon on 13 February 2017. On 16 February 2017, the Senate referred the Bill to the committee for inquiry and report by 10 May 2017. This was later extended to 9 August2017.
The Bill proposes to amend the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 to require the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to restore its shortwave transmission services. The ABC ceased shortwave transmission services in the Northern Territory and to international audiences from 31 January2017.