The Albanese Government has introduced a new bill to Parliament, aimed at ensuring continued access to television broadcasting services in remote and regional Australia.

The Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting Continuity) Bill 2024 addresses outdated provisions in the current regulatory framework that could potentially hinder access to television services and efficient broadcasting transmission.

The Bill expands access to the Government-funded Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) safety-net service in communities where there has been a significant reduction in the number of terrestrial commercial television broadcasting services.

"The taxpayer-funded Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service plays an important role as a broadcasting safety net providing access to broadcasting services for audiences in regional and remote areas," said Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will have the power to declare an area 'service-deficient', allowing audiences in the area to access services via satellite if they choose to do so. "This Bill will expand eligibility for regional and remote Australians to continue to access the broadcasting services in circumstances where there is a material reduction in the number of commercial television broadcasting services provided terrestrially in a given area," Rowland added.

The Bill also adjusts the broadcasting regulatory framework to allow television broadcasters to manage their transmission network more efficiently while continuing to deliver high-quality services to their audiences. It includes amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA) and Radiocommunications Act 1992 (RCA) to permit viewers to access the VAST safety-net service when a commercial television broadcaster ceases to provide services terrestrially in a given area.

The Government has also decided to extend the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) rebate by four years, providing an additional one-off 12.5 per cent increase. This will now provide $5.4 million in annual support, up from $4.8 million in 2023-24. This investment provides greater certainty for regional broadcasters that continue to face challenging operating environments and rising costs.

"Expanding the eligibility of the VAST service complements the Federal Government's commitment to extend this important safety net through to 2031. I look forward to seeing this Bill debated in the Parliament," concluded Rowland.