Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE ACT 1991 - SECT 12

             (1)  Where the Minister is of the opinion that the broadcasting of a particular matter by the SBS would be in the national interest, the Minister may direct the SBS to broadcast that matter from all the broadcasting stations from which the SBS programs are broadcast or from such of them as are specified in the direction.

             (2)  Where the Minister gives a direction to the SBS, the SBS must broadcast the matter, free of charge, in accordance with the direction.

             (3)  The Minister may direct that a matter be broadcast in a language or languages specified in the direction.

             (4)  Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 116 of the Broadcasting Act 1942 .

             (5)  A direction must be given in writing, or sent by telex or facsimile transmission, to the Managing Director.

             (6)  Where the Minister gives a direction to the SBS, the Minister must cause a statement setting out particulars of, and the reasons for, the direction to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after giving the direction.