RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS ACT 1992

Table of Provisions

• Long Title
 

CHAPTER 1--Preliminary

PART 1.1----FORMAL MATTERS

• 1 Short title  
• 2 Commencement  

PART 1.2----OBJECT OF THIS ACT

• 3 Object  
• 4 Outline of this Act  

PART 1.3----INTERPRETATIVE PROVISIONS

• 5 Definitions  
• 6 Definition of radiocommunication  
• 7 Definitions of radiocommunications device , radiocommunications transmitter and radiocommunications receiver  
• 7A Designated radiocommunications receiver  
• 8 Definitions of radio emission and transmitter  
• 9 Application of labels  
• 9B Digital mode  
• 9C Digital community radio broadcasting representative company  
• 9D Incumbent digital radio broadcasting licensees  
• 10 Public or community services  
• 10A ACMA determinations about space objects  
• 10B Authorised defence supplier  
• 11 References to offences against this Act etc.  

PART 1.4----APPLICATION OF THIS ACT

• 12 Outline of this Part  

Division 1--General

• 13 Crown to be bound  

Division 2--Provisions relating to location and similar matters

• 14 Operation of this Division  
• 15 Application to external Territories  
• 16 Application outside Australia  
• 17 Offshore areas  
• 17A Greater Sunrise special regime area, Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area and Bayu - Undan pipeline international offshore area  
• 18 Application to the atmosphere etc.  

Division 3--Provisions extending the concept of radiocommunication

• 19 Operation of this Division  
• 20 Radio transmissions for the purpose of measurement  
• 21 Astronomical and meteorological observations  
• 22 Lighthouses etc.  

Division 4--Matters to which this Act does not apply

• 23 Foreign space objects, vessels and aircraft  
• 24 Defence research and intelligence  
• 25 Special defence undertakings  
• 26 Additional exemption for defence matters  
• 27 Exemption for defence, law enforcement and emergency personnel  
• 28 Use of devices by the ACMA  

PART 1.5----MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS

• 28A Simplified outline of this Part  
• 28B Ministerial policy statements  
• 28C The ACMA must have regard to Ministerial policy statements  

PART 1.6----THE ACMA'S WORK PROGRAM

• 28D Simplified outline of this Part  
• 28E The ACMA's work program  
• 28F Consultation  
 

CHAPTER 2--Radio frequency planning

• 29 Outline of this Chapter  

PART 2.1----SPECTRUM PLANS AND FREQUENCY BAND PLANS

• 30 Spectrum plans  
• 31 Planning of broadcasting services bands  
• 32 Frequency band plans  
• 33 Publication etc. of plans  

PART 2.2----MARKETING PLANS

• 37 Preparation or variation of frequency band plans  
• 39 Marketing plans--unencumbered spectrum  
• 39A Marketing plans--re - allocation of spectrum  
• 41 Delays in preparing marketing plans  
• 42 Variation of marketing plans  
• 44 Expressions of interest in spectrum licences  

PART 2.3----DIGITAL RADIO CHANNEL PLANS

• 44A Preparation of digital radio channel plans  
 

CHAPTER 3--Licensing of radiocommunications

• 45 Outline of this Chapter  

PART 3.1----UNLICENSED RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS

Division 1--Offences and civil penalties

• 46 Unlicensed operation of radiocommunications devices  
• 47 Unlawful possession of radiocommunications devices  
• 48 Additional provisions about possession of radiocommunications devices  
• 49 Emergency operation etc. of radiocommunications devices  

Division 2--Civil proceedings

• 50 Civil proceedings  

PART 3.2----SPECTRUM LICENCES

• 51 Outline of this Part  

Division 1--Issuing spectrum licences

• 60 Procedures for allocating spectrum licences  
• 60A Direct allocation of spectrum licences  
• 60B Restriction on allocation of spectrum licences  
• 61 Preparation of draft spectrum licences  
• 62 Issue of spectrum licences  
• 63 Compliance with marketing plans  
Subdivision C--Contents of spectrum licences
• 64 Authorisation to use part of the spectrum  
• 65 Duration of spectrum licences  
• 65A Renewal statements etc.  
• 66 Core conditions of spectrum licences  
• 67 Conditions about payment of charges  
• 68 Conditions about third party use  
• 68A Authorisation under spectrum licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct  
• 69 Conditions about registration of radiocommunications transmitters  
• 69A Conditions about residency etc.  
• 71 Other conditions of spectrum licences  
Subdivision D--Rules about section 50 and related provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act
• 71A Issue of spectrum licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct  

Division 2--Varying spectrum licences

• 72 Variation with agreement  
• 73 Variation without agreement  
• 73A Conditions included in a spectrum licence--decision - making powers  

Division 3--Suspending and cancelling spectrum licences

• 74 Application of this Division  
• 75 Suspending spectrum licences  
• 76 Period of suspension  
• 77 Cancelling spectrum licences  

Division 3A--Renewal of spectrum licences

• 77A Applications for renewal of spectrum licences  
• 77B Further information  
• 77C Renewal of spectrum licences  
• 77D Notice of refusal to renew spectrum licence etc.  
• 77E Application of other provisions  

Division 4--Issuing further spectrum licences (otherwise than by way of renewal)

• 78 Notice of spectrum licences that are about to expire  
• 79 Preparation of draft further spectrum licences  
• 80 Procedures for re - allocating spectrum licences  
• 81 Issue of further spectrum licences  
• 83 General rules about newly - issued spectrum licences apply to re - issued spectrum licences  
• 84 Commencement of re - issued spectrum licences  

Division 5--Trading spectrum licences

• 85 Trading spectrum licences  
• 86 Registration of assignments etc.  
• 87 Variation etc. of spectrum licences to take assignments into account  
• 88 Rules about assignments etc.  

Division 6--Resuming spectrum licences

• 89 ACMA may resume spectrum licences by agreement  
• 90 Effect of resumption  
Subdivision B--Resuming spectrum licences by compulsory process
• 91 ACMA may resume spectrum licences compulsorily  
• 92 Effect of resumption  
• 93 Payment of compensation  
• 94 Interest payable on resumption etc.  
• 95 Reaching agreements during the compulsory process  

PART 3.3----APPARATUS LICENCES

• 96 Outline of this Part  

Division 1A--Use of spectrum for community broadcasting

• 96A Policy in relation to certain community broadcasting services and open narrowcasting television services  
• 96B Licences of certain kinds must not be granted to new holders after 30 June 2021  
• 96C Declaration to make spectrum available for alternative uses  
• 96D Determination of specified day  

Division 1--Kinds of apparatus licences

• 97 Transmitter licences and receiver licences  
• 98 Types of transmitter licences and receiver licences  
• 98C Foundation category 1 digital radio multiplex transmitter licence  
• 98D Foundation category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licence  
• 98E Limit on declaration of foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  

Division 2--Issuing apparatus licences

• 99 Applications for apparatus licences  
• 100 Issuing apparatus licences  
• 100AA NBS transmitter licences--authorised channels  
• 100A NBS transmitter licences--authorisation of datacasting services  
• 100C NBS transmitter licences--authorisation of radio broadcasting services  
• 100D NBS transmitter licences--authorisation of SDTV multi - channelled national television broadcasting services  
• 100E NBS transmitter licences--authorisation of HDTV multi - channelled national television broadcasting services  
• 101 Testing of radiocommunications devices  
• 101A Transmitter licences for temporary community broadcasting  
• 102 Transmitter licences for certain broadcasting services  
• 102AD Transmitter licences--authorised channels  
• 102C Category 1 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  
• 102D Category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  
• 102E Category 3 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  
• 102F Limit on issue of non - foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  
• 102G Limits on use of the spectrum  
• 103 Duration of apparatus licences  
• 103A Renewal statements etc.  
• 103B Variation of renewal statements etc. with agreement  
• 103C Variation of renewal statements etc. without agreement  
• 104 Compliance with plans  
• 105 Restrictions on issuing apparatus licences  
• 105A Notice of apparatus licences that are about to expire  
• 106 Price - based allocation system for certain transmitter licences  
• 106A Issue of apparatus licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct  

Division 3--Conditions of apparatus licences

• 107 General conditions  
• 108 Additional conditions for transmitter licences  
• 108A Conditions of transmitter licences for temporary community broadcasters  
• 109 Conditions of transmitter licences for certain broadcasting services  
• 109B Conditions of digital radio multiplex transmitter licences--general  
• 109C Conditions of category 1 and category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences--access etc.  
• 109D Conditions of foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences  
• 110 Conditions relating to interference  
• 110A Conditions determined by the ACMA  
• 111 Changes to licence conditions  
• 111A Licence conditions may confer powers on the ACMA or a person who holds an accreditation  
• 112 Guidelines relating to conditions etc.  
• 113 Contravention of conditions  
• 113A Constitutional safety net--issue of shares to digital community radio broadcasting representative company  

Division 4--Third party users

• 114 Licensees may authorise third party users  
• 114A Authorisation under apparatus licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct  
• 115 Determinations limiting authorisation of third party users  
• 116 Revocation of authorisations  
• 117 Licensees must keep records of authorisations  
• 118 Licensees must notify authorised persons of certain matters  

Division 4B--Access to digital radio multiplex transmitter licences

• 118N Simplified outline  
• 118NA Scope  
• 118NB Definitions  
• 118NC National broadcasters  
Subdivision B--Access undertakings
• 118ND Digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees must give the ACCC access undertakings  
• 118NE Further information about access undertakings  
• 118NF ACCC to accept or reject access undertakings  
• 118NG Duration of access undertakings etc.  
• 118NH Variation of access undertakings  
• 118NI Further information about variation of access undertakings  
• 118NJ Decision - making criteria  
• 118NK Register of access undertakings  
Subdivision C--Standard access obligations, excess-capacity access obligations and distributed-capacity access obligations
• 118NL Standard access obligations  
• 118NM Excess - capacity access obligations  
• 118NN Distributed - capacity access obligations  
• 118NO Compliance with access obligations  
• 118NP Other obligations  
• 118NQ Standard access entitlements of commercial broadcasters  
• 118NR Standard access entitlements of community broadcasters  
• 118NS Standard access entitlements of national broadcasters  
• 118NT Excess - capacity access entitlements etc.  
• 118NU Distributed - capacity access entitlements etc.  
• 118NV Capacity cap--digital commercial radio broadcasting licensees  
• 118NW Suspension of access entitlements  
• 118NX Transfer of digital radio multiplex transmitter licence  
• 118NY Renewal of digital radio multiplex transmitter licence  
Subdivision D--Enforcement
• 118NZ Judicial enforcement of access obligations etc.  
• 118P Enforcement of access undertakings  
Subdivision E--External audits
• 118PA External audits  
• 118PB Eligibility for appointment  
• 118PC External auditor may have regard to the results of previous audit  
• 118PD External auditors  
Subdivision F--Review of decisions
• 118PE Review by Australian Competition Tribunal  
• 118PF Functions and powers of Australian Competition Tribunal  
• 118PG Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Australian Competition Tribunal review  
• 118PH Statement of reasons for reviewable decision--specification of documents  
Subdivision G--Injunctions
• 118PI Injunctions  
• 118PJ Interim injunctions  
• 118PK Discharge or variation of injunctions  
• 118PL Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply  
• 118PM Other powers of the Federal Court unaffected  
Subdivision H--Miscellaneous
• 118PN Annual reports  
• 118PO Procedural Rules  
• 118PP Constitutional safety net  

Division 4C--Access to broadcasting transmission towers etc. by digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees and authorised persons

• 118Q Simplified outline  
• 118QA Definitions  
• 118QB Designated associated facilities  
• 118QC Extended meaning of access  
Subdivision B--Access to broadcasting transmission towers etc. by digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees
• 118QD Access to broadcasting transmission towers  
• 118QE Access to designated associated facilities  
• 118QF Access to sites of broadcasting transmission towers  
• 118QG Terms and conditions of access  
• 118QH Code relating to access  
Subdivision C--Miscellaneous
• 118QI Arbitration--acquisition of property  
• 118QJ Relationship between this Division and the National Transmission Network Sale Act 1998  

Division 5--Qualified operators

• 119 ACMA to determine the need for qualified operators  
• 120 Applications for certificates of proficiency  
• 121 Issuing certificates of proficiency  
• 122 Restrictions on issuing certificates of proficiency  
• 122A Delegating the power to issue certificates of proficiency  
• 123 Re - examination of qualified operators  
• 124 Cancelling certificates of proficiency  

Division 6--Suspending and cancelling apparatus licences

• 125 Application of this Subdivision  
• 126 Suspending apparatus licences  
• 127 Period of suspension  
• 128 Cancelling apparatus licences  
Subdivision B--International broadcasting services
• 128A Application of this Subdivision  
• 128B Cancelling transmitter licences  

Division 7--Renewing apparatus licences

• 129 Applications for renewal of apparatus licences  
• 129A Further information  
• 130 Renewing apparatus licences  
• 131 Application of other provisions  

Division 8--Transfer of apparatus licences

• 131AA Applications for transfer of apparatus licences  
• 131AB Transfer of apparatus licences  
• 131AC Apparatus licences not transferable in certain circumstances  

Division 10--Provisional international broadcasting certificates

• 131AE Applications for certificates  
• 131AF Issuing certificates  
• 131AG Duration of certificates  

PART 3.4----CLASS LICENCES

Division 1--General

• 132 ACMA may issue class licences  
• 133 Conditions of class licences  
• 134 Varying class licences  
• 136 Consultation on variations and revocations  
• 137 Compliance with plans  
• 138 Parts of the spectrum allocated for spectrum licences  

Division 2--Requests for advice

• 140 Requests for advice on operation of radiocommunications devices  
• 141 ACMA to advise on the operation of radiocommunications devices  
• 142 The effect of the ACMA's advice  

PART 3.5----REGISTRATION OF LICENCES

• 143 The Register of Radiocommunications Licences  
• 144 Contents of the Register--spectrum licences  
• 145 Refusal to register radiocommunications transmitters for operation under spectrum licences  
• 146 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of spectrum licences into account  
• 147 Contents of the Register--apparatus licences  
• 148 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of apparatus licences into account  
• 149 Contents of the Register--class licences  
• 150 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of class licences into account  
• 151 Inspection of the Register  
• 152 Parts of the Register may be kept confidential  
• 153 Correction of the Register  

PART 3.6----RE-ALLOCATION OF ENCUMBERED SPECTRUM

• 153A Outline of this Part  
• 153B Spectrum re - allocation declaration  
• 153D Affected apparatus licences and licensees  
• 153H Effect of spectrum re - allocation declaration  
• 153J Revocation and variation of spectrum re - allocation declaration  
• 153K Automatic revocation of spectrum re - allocation declaration if no licences allocated by re - allocation deadline  
• 153L Re - allocation by means of issuing spectrum licences  
• 153M Re - allocation by means of issuing apparatus licences  
• 153N Restriction on issuing spectrum licences for parts of the spectrum subject to re - allocation  
• 153P Restriction on issuing apparatus licences for parts of the spectrum subject to re - allocation  
 

CHAPTER 4--General regulatory provisions

• 154 Outline of this Chapter  

PART 4.1----EQUIPMENT

Division 1--Introduction

• 155 Simplified outline of this Part  

Division 2--Equipment rules

• 156 Equipment rules  
• 157 Constitutional limits  
• 158 Standards  
• 159 Obligations, prohibitions and permits  
• 160 Breach of equipment rules and permit conditions  
• 161 Equipment rules may confer powers on the ACMA  
• 162 Equipment rules may confer powers on accredited persons  
• 163 Equipment rules may authorise the charging of fees by certain persons  
• 164 Divisions 4 and 5 do not limit the ACMA's power to make equipment rules  

Division 3--Protected symbols

• 165 Use or application of protected symbols  
• 166 Protected symbol  

Division 4--Bans on equipment

• 167 Interim bans on equipment  
• 168 Duration of interim bans  
• 169 Revocation of interim bans  
• 170 Compliance with interim bans  
• 171 Actions for damages  
Subdivision B--Permanent bans
• 172 Permanent bans on equipment  
• 173 When permanent bans come into force  
• 174 Revocation of permanent bans  
• 175 Compliance with permanent bans--offences  
• 176 Compliance with permanent bans--civil penalties  
• 177 Actions for damages  
Subdivision C--Presumptions
• 178 Presumptions  
Subdivision D--Amnesty for banned equipment
• 179 Amnesty for banned equipment  
• 180 The ACMA may take possession of equipment  
• 181 Forfeiture of equipment to the Commonwealth  
• 182 Forfeited equipment may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of  

Division 5--Recall of equipment

• 183 Compulsory recall of equipment  
• 184 Contents of a recall notice  
• 185 Obligations of a supplier in relation to a recall notice  
• 186 Compliance with recall notices  
• 187 Actions for damages  
Subdivision B--Voluntary recall of equipment
• 188 Notification requirements for a voluntary recall of equipment  

PART 4.2----OFFENCES RELATING TO RADIO EMISSION

• 192 Interference likely to prejudice safe operation of vessels, aircraft or space objects  
• 193 Interference in relation to certain radiocommunications  
• 194 Interference likely to endanger safety or cause loss or damage  
• 195 Transmission from foreign vessel, aircraft or space object  
• 196 Emergency transmissions etc.  
• 197 Causing interference etc.  
• 198 Transmission of false information  
• 199 Transmission likely to cause explosion  
• 200 Imputed knowledge  
• 201 Operation of laws of States or Territories  

PART 4.3----SETTLEMENT OF INTERFERENCE DISPUTES

Division 1--Conciliators

• 202 Conciliator  

Division 2--Referral of matters to conciliators

• 205 Referral of complaints to conciliators  
• 206 Referral of other matters to conciliators  
• 207 Consideration of whether to refer a matter  

Division 3--The conciliation process

• 208 Conciliator may effect settlement in relation to disputed conduct  
• 209 Conciliator may decide not to make inquiry  
• 210 Compulsory conference  
• 211 Protection from civil actions  

Division 4--Directions

• 212 ACMA may issue directions  
• 213 Complainants to be kept informed  
• 214 Contravention of a direction  
• 215 Commonwealth not liable for costs  

Division 5--Miscellaneous

• 216 Offences relating to settlement of interference disputes  
• 217 Operation of State and Territory laws  

PART 4.4----RESTRICTED USE ZONES

Division 1--Declarations of emergency

• 219 Declaration of period of emergency  
• 220 Circumstances in which Proclamation may be made  
• 221 Termination of period of emergency  
• 221A Effect of a national emergency declaration  

Division 2--Restrictive orders

• 222 Restrictive orders  
• 223 Publication of restrictive orders  
• 224 Application of orders to broadcasting  
• 225 Revocation of orders  
• 226 Orders may have extended operation  
• 227 Contravention of orders  
• 228 Orders to prevail over inconsistent laws  
• 229 Restrictive orders are legislative instruments  

Division 3--Guidelines for making restrictive orders

• 230 Minister may make guidelines  
 

CHAPTER 5--Administration and enforcement

• 231 Outline of this Chapter  

PART 5.1----DELEGATION

• 238 Delegation  

PART 5.3----ADVISORY GUIDELINES

• 262 ACMA may make advisory guidelines  

PART 5.4----ACCREDITATION

• 263 ACMA may accredit persons  
• 264 Conditions of accreditation  
• 264A Withdrawal of accreditation  
• 265 Procedure for withdrawing accreditation  
• 266 Accreditation rules  
• 266A ACMA determination in relation to certificates  

PART 5.5----ENFORCEMENT

Division 1--Introduction

• 267 Simplified outline of this Part  

Division 2--Enforcement

• 268 Remedial directions--breach of civil penalty provision  
• 269 Civil penalty provisions--enforcement  
• 270 Infringement notices  
• 271 Enforceable undertakings  
• 272 Injunctions  

Division 3--Forfeiture notices

• 273 Provisions subject to a forfeiture notice  
• 274 When a forfeiture notice may be given  
• 275 Matters to be included in a forfeiture notice  
• 276 Extension of time to agree to forfeit a thing to the Commonwealth  
• 277 Withdrawal of a forfeiture notice  
• 278 Effect of agreeing to forfeit a thing to the Commonwealth  
• 279 The ACMA may take possession of a thing  
• 280 Forfeiture of a thing to the Commonwealth  
• 281 Forfeited things may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of  
• 282 Effect of this Division  
• 283 Designated forfeiture officer  

Division 4--Inspectors

• 284 Inspectors  

Division 5--Monitoring and investigation powers

• 284A Monitoring powers  
• 284B Investigation powers--general  
• 284C Identity card  
• 284D Retention of thing seized etc.  
• 284E Securing evidential material  
• 284F Directions to licensees--managing interference with radiocommunications  
• 284H Powers of inspectors to require operation of transmitters  
• 284J General powers of inspectors  
• 284K Self - incrimination etc.  

Division 6--Power of inspectors to enter premises and adjust transmitters in emergencies

• 284KA Power of inspectors to enter premises and adjust transmitters in emergencies  
Subdivision B--Investigation warrants
• 284KB Transmitter access warrants  
• 284KC Offence relating to warrants  
Subdivision C--Issuing officers
• 284KD Issuing officer  
• 284KE Powers of issuing officers  

Division 7--Court-ordered forfeiture

• 284L Court may order forfeiture  
• 284M Forfeited goods may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of  

Division 8--Public warning notices

• 284N Public warning notices  

Division 9--Miscellaneous

• 284P Act not to affect performance of duties by inspectors  
• 284Q Inspectors not authorised to enter or search certain land or premises etc. used for defence purposes  

PART 5.5A----INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS

• 284R Simplified outline of this Part  
• 284S The ACMA may obtain information or documents  
• 284T Copying documents--compensation  
• 284U Copies of documents  
• 284V ACMA may retain documents  
• 284W Self - incrimination  

PART 5.6----REVIEW OF DECISIONS

• 285 Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA  
• 286 Deadlines for reaching certain decisions  
• 287 Statements to accompany notification of decisions  
• 288 Applications for reconsideration of decisions  
• 289 Reconsideration by the ACMA  
• 290 Deadlines for reconsiderations  
• 291 Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration  
• 292 Review by the AAT  

PART 5.7----CHARGES

• 294 Spectrum access charges  
• 295 Publication of determinations  
• 296 Collection of charges on behalf of the ACMA  
• 297 Limits on charges  
• 298 Recovery of charges  
• 298A Fees imposed by bodies or organisations  
 

CHAPTER 6--Miscellaneous

• 299 International agreements etc.  
• 300 Labelling of radiocommunications transmitters for purposes of identification  
• 300A Transitional--failure to comply with requirements to be met after a label has been applied to a device  
• 300B Transitional--general powers of inspectors  
• 300C Transitional--retention of records of the supply of radiocommunications devices  
• 302 Exemptions from certain compliance provisions  
• 303 Compilation etc. of information  
• 304 Applications in electronic form  
• 304A Service of notices and instruments by electronic means  
• 305 Evidentiary certificates  
• 305A Computerised decision - making  
• 306 Conduct by directors, employees and agents  
• 307 Surrender of licences, certificates and permits  
• 308 No compensation for suspensions and cancellations  
• 308A Compensation for acquisition of property  
• 309 Officers and employees of governments and authorities  
• 310 Operation of this Act in relation to the Broadcasting Services Act  
• 311 Act not to affect performance of functions by States or certain Territories  
• 312 Application of the Competition and Consumer Act  
• 313 Legislation of the Australian Antarctic Territory  
• 313A Application of the Criminal Code  
• 313B Legislative rules  
• 314 Regulations  
• 314A Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments  
• SCHEDULE Resuming spectrum licences by compulsory process