The Albanese Government is calling for community input on how to best to position and prepare the community broadcasting sector for the future, today releasing a new discussion paper that identifies three key areas for review: existing funding arrangements and outcomes measurement, and regulatory and legislative settings impacting the sector's sustainability.

The Government is seeking feedback on priority areas such as increasing sector sustainability, capability and capacity, a shared outcomes framework to measure impact, identifying emerging needs like local news and disaster response, First Nations broadcasting funding and licensing, and regulatory issues. The feedback will inform options to maximise innovation, growth, and the sustainability of the sector. Comments and submissions can be made online until 5pm AEST on Friday, 30 August 2024.

The work is part of the Government's Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, conducted in partnership with the sector. Phase 1 of the review began in March 2023 with an independent evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program. The evaluation found that the program is having positive impacts, with funding making a difference to recipient organisations, but improvements can be made, especially regarding broader sector sustainability.

"Community broadcasting plays an essential role as a platform for the many diverse voices that make up our community - and that's why we're committed to supporting the sector, now and into the future," said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP. "Phase 1 of the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review has provided valuable insights for us to build on as we progress this important work, and I thank everyone who participated." The Minister also stated, "With consultation on Phase 2 kicking off today, the Government is seeking views to help us advance effective and targeted improvements that support a strong, innovative and sustainable community broadcasting sector."