Determination of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates No. 2011/1

Overview

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was established to provide advanced education and training for individuals involved in the production of film, television, and radio programs. The Act outlines the functions of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, including the provision of education and training, conducting seminars and courses, and awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The problem the Act addresses is the need for specialised education and training in the rapidly evolving media and entertainment industry. In accordance with the Act, the Council of the School has the authority to specify degrees, diplomas, and certificates through legislative instruments, as opposed to regulations. This change was formalised through the Arts Legislation Amendment (Maritime Museum and Film, Television and Radio School) Act 2005. The Determination of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates No. 2011/1, registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments, adds twelve new degrees to the list of qualifications that the School can award. The Council determined that no consultation was necessary for this legislative instrument, as it does not affect other educational institutions and the School is a self-accrediting body.

Scope and Application

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973 establishes the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), which is responsible for providing advanced education and training in film, television, and radio production. The Act authorises the School to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates as specified in a determination under Section 6A. This legislative framework allows the School to adapt its offerings in line with industry needs by specifying qualifications through legislative instruments rather than regulations, which provides flexibility and responsiveness in the fast-evolving media landscape. The Determination of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates No. 2011/1 adds twelve new degrees, such as Graduate Certificate in Cinematography Fundamentals and Master of Screen Arts and Business, to the qualifications that the School can award. The School's Council determined that no consultation was necessary for this determination, given the School’s role as a self-accrediting institution and the minimal impact on other educational bodies. This Determination applies nationally and comes into effect on the day after its registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

Key Provisions

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973, particularly Section 4, establishes the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (the School), while Section 5 outlines its functions, including providing advanced education and training for the production of programs, conducting approved seminars and courses, and awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates as specified in a determination under Section 6A. Section 6A allows the School to specify the degrees, diplomas, and certificates through a legislative instrument. The School is governed by a council, known as the Council of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, which is established under Section 7 of the Act. All acts done by the Council are considered to have been done by the School. The obligations imposed by the Act on the Australian Film, Television and Radio School include providing advanced education and training for individuals involved in the production of programs, conducting approved seminars and courses, and awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates as specified in the determinations made under Section 6A. The School must be governed by a council that ensures all acts and things done in its name or on its behalf are deemed to have been done by the School. Additionally, the Council of the School has the authority to make determinations regarding the degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by the School. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined for breaches of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973 in the provided text. However, it is important to note that the Council of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School considered that no consultation was required after reviewing the matters specified in Section 17 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and the broader issues of personal rights. The School is a self-accrediting educational institution, and the registering of new degrees does not impact any other educational institution. Therefore, any breach of the Act would likely be addressed through internal School policies and procedures, rather than through criminal or civil penalties.