Broadcasting

In 1999, the Commonwealth Government referred the Broadcasting Services Act and related legislation to the Productivity Commission for inquiry and report within twelve months. The inquiry stems from the Government’s commitment under the Competition Principles Agreement to review legislation for its anticompetitive effects and covers the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (including the 1998 digital conversion amendments), Broadcasting Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1992, Radio Licence Fees Act 1964 and the Television Licence Fees Act 1964. The Commission was to advise on practical courses of action to improve competition, efficiency and the interests of consumers in broadcasting service.