Broadcasting and Television
No. 57 of 1966
An Act to amend the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1965 in relation to Pensioners’ Licence Fees and in relation to Decimal Currency.
[Assented to 29 October 1966]
BE it enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title and citation.
1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Broadcasting and Television Act 1966.
(2.) The Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1965 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.
(3.) The Principal Act, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1966.
Commencement.
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Licence fees.
3. Section 128 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by omitting paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (3.) and inserting in their stead the following paragraphs:—
“(a) lives alone; or
“(b) lives with another person who, or with other persons each of whom is a person who—
(i) is a pensioner;
(ii) has no income; or
(iii) has an income the rate of which does not exceed an amount per annum equal to the sum of the amount specified in paragraph (a) of sub-section (1a.) of section twenty-eight of the Social Services Act 1947–1966 and the amount specified in sub-section (2.) of that section.”; and
(b) by omitting sub-section (4.) and inserting in its stead the following sub-section:—
“(4.) In this section, ‘pensioner’ means a person who—
(a) is in receipt of a pension under Part III. or Part IV. of the Social Services Act 1947–1966;
(b) is in receipt of an allowance under section nine of the Tuberculosis Act 1948 and would, but for the receipt of that allowance, be eligible to receive a pension of a kind referred to in the last preceding paragraph;
(c) is in receipt of a service pension, or a pension in respect of total and permanent incapacity, under the Repatriation Act 1920–1966; or
(d) is in receipt of a pension in respect of total and permanent incapacity under the Repatriation (Far East Strategic Reserve) Act 1956–1962 or under the Repatriation (Special Overseas Service) Act 1962–1965.”.
Amendments in relation to decimal currency.
4. The Principal Act is amended as set out in the Schedule to this Act.
THE SCHEDULE Section 4.
Amendments of the Principal Act in Relation to Decimal Currency
Provisions amended | Omit— | Insert— |
Section 46a.......... | Two thousand five hundred pounds | Five thousand dollars |
Section 56(2.)(b)...... | Twenty pounds | Forty dollars |
Section 57(1.)........ | Two pounds | Four dollars |
Section 61(2.)(a)...... | Twenty thousand pounds, or | Forty thousand dollars, or |
Twenty thousand pounds | Forty thousand dollars |
Section 62........... | Twenty thousand pounds | Forty thousand dollars |
Section 71........... | Two hundred and fifty pounds | Five hundred dollars |
Section 92(2.)........ | One thousand pounds | Two thousand dollars |
One hundred pounds | Two hundred dollars |
Section 92c(1.)........ | One hundred pounds | Two hundred dollars |
Ten pounds | Twenty dollars |
Section 92f(7.)........ | One thousand pounds | Two thousand dollars |
One hundred pounds | Two hundred dollars |
Section 126(1c)....... | Twenty-five pounds | Fifty dollars |
Section 128(1.)(a)...... | Two pounds fifteen shillings | Five dollars fifty cents |
Section 128(1.)(b)...... | One pound eight shillings | Two dollars eighty cents |
Section 128(1a.)....... | Six pounds | Twelve dollars |
Section 128(1b.)....... | Eight pounds ten shillings | Seventeen dollars |
Section 128(3.)........ | Ten shillings | One dollar |
Seven shillings | Seventy cents |
Section 128(3a.)....... | One pound ten shillings | Three dollars |
Section 128(3b.)....... | Two pounds | Four dollars |
Section 132(3.)(a)...... | One hundred pounds | Two hundred dollars |
Section 132(3.)(b)...... | Five hundred pounds | One thousand dollars |
Overview
The Broadcasting and Television Act 1966 was enacted to address two significant issues: the adjustment of licence fees for pensioners and the transition to decimal currency within the broadcasting and television industry. This Act was introduced to amend the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1965 and was assented to by the Queen on 29 October 1966. The Act was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament, with the primary policy objective being to provide relief to pensioners and other low-income earners by modifying licence fee exemptions and to update financial references to align with the decimal currency system implemented in Australia on 14 February 1966. The Act ensures that the broadcasting and television regulatory framework remains current and equitable for all citizens, particularly those with limited financial resources.
Scope and Application
The Broadcasting and Television Act 1966 is an amendment to the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1965, specifically addressing pensioner's licence fees and adjusting for decimal currency. This Act applies to individuals who are defined as "pensioners" under the Social Services Act 1947–1966, the Tuberculosis Act 1948, and various Repatriation Acts. It also applies to those living with a pensioner who meets the income criteria, effectively exempting certain low-income households from licence fees. The Act's jurisdictional reach is national, as it is a Commonwealth Act. The amendments extend to various sections of the Principal Act, updating financial thresholds and fees from the pre-decimal currency system to the new decimal currency. This Act operates across Australia and includes provisions for decimal currency adjustments throughout its sections, ensuring consistency and compliance with the national monetary reforms.
Key Provisions
The Broadcasting and Television Act 1966 introduces key amendments to the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942–1965, particularly focusing on pensioner's licence fees and adjustments to decimal currency. The Act modifies section 128 of the Principal Act to change the eligibility criteria for concessional licence fees (section 128(3)). Under this amendment, a person qualifies for a concessional licence fee if they live alone or with another person who is a pensioner, has no income, or has an income that does not exceed a certain amount specified in the Social Services Act 1947–1966 (section 128(4)). The definition of 'pensioner' is also expanded to include recipients of various pensions and allowances under different acts, such as the Social Services Act 1947–1966, the Tuberculosis Act 1948, and the Repatriation Acts (section 128(4)).
The Act imposes specific obligations on broadcasters and licence holders to adhere to the updated criteria for concessional licence fees. Broadcasters must ensure that the eligibility conditions for concessional fees are properly assessed and applied, particularly concerning the income and pension status of applicants. Licence holders, in turn, must provide accurate information regarding their living arrangements and financial status to qualify for concessional fees. Additionally, the Act requires broadcasters to implement the amendments related to decimal currency, updating financial provisions to reflect the new currency system (Schedule).
Breaches of the provisions under this Act may lead to various consequences. For instance, if broadcasters or licence holders fail to comply with the updated criteria for concessional licence fees, they may face penalties as stipulated in the Principal Act. The penalties could include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the relevant regulatory authorities. Similarly, failure to adjust financial provisions to comply with the decimal currency amendments could result in administrative penalties or legal action. The exact penalties are not specified in the Act itself but would be governed by the broader regulatory framework under the Principal Act.