Chris Hayes (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to commend the Communications Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2008 to the House. This bill is essentially common sense. It gives the Australian Communications and Media Authority discretion in relation to issues of late application. Bearing in mind that community radio stations are essentially run by honorary organisations with no paid administration staff, complying with the letter of the law when it comes to the deadline for making an application for the renewal of a licence sometimes does not go the way we would like, as you would find in many situations involving non-professional activity and its administration.

Whilst a number of these radio stations do a very good job, in the past they have, unfortunately, been late with their applications and there is currently no discretion with respect to the ability of the Australian Communications and Media Authority to deal with late payment. That being the case, this amendment is certainly an improvement to the act. It grants discretion to the ACMA to be able to deal with late applications for licences. It is something that is overdue, particularly when the ACMA, by and large, in dealing with these matters is dealing with a number of honorary organisations.

This bill gives discretion to the ACMA. This is supported by both sides of the parliament and will make for a tidier approach in dealing with the vast majority of community broadcasters throughout this nation. I commend the bill to the House.

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