Law NEWS - Proposal to grant ACMA power to consider late licensing applications
The Communications Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2007 has been introduced into the Senate. The Bill amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) (Act) to provide the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with discretion to consider late applications for renewal of community broadcasting licences.
The Bill proposes that ACMA should be authorised to consider a late application for renewal of a community broadcasting licence if:
- the application is made before the date on which the licence expires;
- the applicant provides a written statement (with the application) outlining the reasons for the delay; and
- ACMA considers that, in light of the above, "exceptional circumstances" apply, which justify ACMA considering the application.
The Bill also makes some minor technical amendments to the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) Act 2007 (Cth) and the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) Act 2006 (Cth).
Source: Blake Dawson Waldron Lawyers