Consultations and submissions

Feedback is sought from interested parties on draft instruments which would enable the possible re-issue of expiring 15-year spectrum licences to the same licensee. These include a draft determination under s82(3) and a draft direction under s294(2) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Submissions close on 16 January 2012.

On 10 August 2011 the Minister released for public comment draft amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 and the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 to facilitate the NBN rollout. The submission period closed on 7 September 2011.

The decision by the Australian Government to release 126 MHz of UHF spectrum as a digital dividend was made following extensive public consultation. This page contains details of the government’s decision.

A public consultation is in progress on proposed changes to the pre-selection arrangements that enable any consumer with a standard telephone service to choose a service provider, other than the provider that supplies local calls, for national long-distance calls, international calls and calls to mobile phones. Submissions close on 8 December 2011.

The Australian Government is conducting a public review of the Integrated Public Number Database and has released a discussion paper on the issues. The closing date for submission is 16 December 2011.

This review will inform the Australian Government on ways to help people in need of assistance to access and make the most of the telecommunication choices available to them, including the National Relay Service. The submission period closed on 2 September 2011 and the government is now considering the submissions received.

The Australian Government has established an independent inquiry into the Australian media to examine the pressures facing newspapers, online publications and their newsrooms as well as the operation of the Australian Press Council.

The Australian Government is conducting a review of the performance of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) in its first two years of operation. The period for submissions closed on 19 October 2011.

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has released a consultation paper on the determination of the penalties that are to be specified in infringement notices issued under Part 31B of the Telecommunications Act 1997. Submissions close on 19 September 2011.

Information on the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and how to comment on the draft terms of reference for the review. Submissions close on 21 October 2011.

On 15 August 2011 the Minister released for public comment draft regulations that will ensure Telstra meets its universal service obligation to make payphones reasonably accessible. Submissions close on 15 September 2011.

Suppliers and manufacturers interested in supplying set-top boxes for use with the VAST service are invited to comment on the set-top box certification process proposed by the platform provider, Optus.

As part of the 2010–11 Budget the government announced a review of its investment in the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector. The review aims to ensure that the resources allocated to Indigenous broadcasting deliver the best outcomes for Indigenous people.

Public comments were sought on legislative reforms necessary to deliver the government’s Universal Service Policy in an NBN environment. The government is now considering the legislative reforms in light of submissions received.

Following public consultation, the government has decided to focus the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's prices surveillance of Australia Post on ordinary letter services, such as the 60 cent basic postage rate for standard letters. Prices surveillance will be discontinued for other reserved letter services such as bulk mail.

Content and Access: The future of program standards and captioning requirements on digital television multi-channels discussion paper and submissions page.

The department, in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development, is conducting a market investigation into the trans-Tasman mobile roaming market.

Information on the Australian Government’s public consultation on opportunities to reform the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman scheme.

Public consultation on the planned legislation to improve planning and enforcement powers for the planning and stacking of digital television channels needed to achieve the digital dividend.

Information on the Australian Government’s Convergence Review and how to comment on the draft Terms of Reference for the Review of communications and media regulation, including ways to comment on the Convergence Review Committee's Interim Report.

An outline of the process for reviewing the technologies available for digital radio in regional Australia, with the related discussion paper and information on submissions.

The discussion paper for the Do Not Call Register - Eligibility requirements for registration on the Do Not Call Register is now closed.

Comments were sought on a draft legislative instrument to extend the current Telstra retail price control arrangements by two years to 30 June 2012.

On 6 May 2010 the Australian Government released the National Broadband Network Implementation Study, which examines the Government’s coverage, commerciality and competition objectives, as well as the detailed operating and structural arrangements of NBN Co Limited and future private sector investment and privatisation.

On 5 March 2010 the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced the release of a discussion paper ‘Local content requirements for regional commercial radio’ as part of a review conducted in accordance with section 61CT of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. Public submissions closed on 1 April 2010.

As part of the introduction of ISP filtering, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has made a commitment to consult publicly on the process that leads to the addition of RC material on the RC content list for mandatory ISP filtering and the means for reviewing those decisions. Submissions closed on 12 February 2010.

The main page for the Media Access Review Discussion Report. The call for public submissions closed on 29 January 2010.

Discussion paper on Statutory Review of the Do Not Call Register Act and the submissions received in response to it.

The Sport on Television review is examining the regulatory environment surrounding the acquisition and screening of sport on television in Australia.

Outlines key issues on which the Government has sought submissions. Public submissions will provide input to the development of NBN legislation.

The Australian Government sought stakeholders' views on approaches to address regional backbone blackspots through the Regional Backbone Blackspots Program stakeholder consultation paper.

Information about the Australian Government’s Backhaul Blackspots Initiative, a $250 million investment to immediately address backhaul blackspots throughout regional Australia.

The Government is working with business and other stakeholders on the future of Australia's digital economy. A future directions paper was developed, covering the role of stakeholders in ensuring that the Government's digital economy initiatives are maximised. Submissions to the development of this paper are now available.

On 16 October 2008, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced the release of a discussion paper as part of a review of Australia’s two national broadcasters, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).

Find the discussion paper on possible legislative changes to implement a digital switchover timetable and the submissions received in response to it.

Find information about consultations and calls for submissions relating to the Australian Government's plans to establish a new open access, high-speed, fibre-based broadband network.