Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 No. 6 of 1983 - SECT 78 Power of Minister to give directions to Corporation in the national interest

Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 No. 6 of 1983 - SECT 78

PART VIII-MISCELLANEOUS

78. (1) Where the Minister is of the opinion that the broadcasting or
televising of particular matter by the Corporation would be in the national
interest, he may direct the Corporation to broadcast or televise that matter
from all the national broadcasting stations or national television stations or
from such of them as he specifies and, where such a direction is given, the
Corporation shall broadcast or televise that matter, free of charge, in
accordance with the direction.

(2) Where the Minister is of the opinion that the broadcasting or televising
by the Corporation of particular matter, or of matter of a particular class or
character, would not be in the national interest, he may direct the
Corporation not to broadcast or televise that matter or matter of that class
or character and, where such a direction is given, the Corporation shall not
broadcast or televise that matter or matter of that class or character.

(3) Sub-sections (1) and (2) have effect subject to section 116 of the
Broadcasting and Television Act 1942.

(4) A direction under this section shall be sent by telegraph, or by notice in
writing, to the Managing Director.

(5) Where the Minister gives a direction to the Corporation under this
section, he shall 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 the direction was given.

(6) Except as provided by this section, or as expressly provided by a
provision of another Act, the Corporation is not subject to direction by or on
behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth.