✦ Plain-English Summary

Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Amendment 2020

What it does

This law changes how radio transmitter licence fees are calculated for long-term licences (over 12 months). Instead of a single flat fee, some transmitters will now pay annual fees on each anniversary of their licence, while others keep the single-payment model—depending on what type of transmitter they operate.

Why it matters

Radio stations, emergency services, and other organisations that use transmitters will face different cost structures going forward. For some, spreading payments across multiple years might ease cash flow; for others, it means paying more over time.

Key details

• Two payment options: The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) decides which licence types pay once upfront versus annually. Some types will use one system, others will use the other.
• Commercial broadcasters exempt: Radio and TV stations won't be affected by these new rules—they're specifically excluded.
• Delayed start: The law doesn't kick in until a date the government announces (with a 6-month deadline maximum from when it received royal assent).

Official Description

Introduced with the Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2020 and Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Amendment Bill 2020, the bill amends the Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act 1983 to enable the Australian Communications and Media Authority to determine whether, for a specified class of licences with longer than 12 months duration, the transmitter licence tax is imposed on the issue of the licence for the full period the licence is in force, or whether it should be paid in annual instalments.

Committee Referrals

Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.