Wireless Telegraphy Licences Regulations

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1927 No. 153, enacted under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, addresses the need to update and refine the regulatory framework governing wireless telegraphy, particularly concerning the licensing of broadcast listeners. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council. The regulation aims to adjust the licensing structure for broadcast reception, introducing specific fees for Broadcast Listener's Licences across different zones and setting a deduction from these fees for certain purposes. This adjustment seeks to streamline the licensing process and ensure appropriate fee structures for the reception of broadcast programmes for various purposes, including entertainment, demonstration, and testing of receiving equipment.

Scope and Application

The Wireless Telegraphy Licences Regulation, made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, applies to any person or entity requiring a licence for the reception of broadcast programmes for entertainment, demonstration or test of receiving equipment, or any other purpose within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation, which came into effect on 1 January 1928, specifies that a Broadcast Listener's Licence is mandatory for these activities, with different fee structures applied based on the zone in which the listener is situated. The prescribed fees are 24 shillings for Zone 1 and 17 shillings and six pence for Zones 2 and 3, to be paid in full in advance. Additionally, a deduction of 4 shillings per licence is made from the fees for specified regulatory purposes. This regulation amends the existing Wireless Telegraphy Regulations and is applicable nationally across Australia, ensuring a standardised approach to broadcast listener licensing.

Key Provisions

The Wireless Telegraphy Licences Regulation, which comes into effect on 1 January 1928, mandates that a Broadcast Listener's Licence (section 1) is required for the reception of broadcast programs for various purposes including entertainment (section 1(a)(i)), demonstration or test of receiving equipment (section 1(a)(ii)), and any other purpose (section 1(a)(iii)). The fees for these licences vary based on the zone, with 24 shillings for Zone 1 and 17 shillings and six pence for Zones 2 and 3 (section 1). Furthermore, a deduction of four shillings per licence is to be made from the Broadcast Listener's Licence fees for the purposes of regulation 67 of the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (section 1(b)). These regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, any individual or entity wishing to receive broadcast programmes must obtain a Broadcast Listener's Licence. This licence must be paid for in full in advance, with fees differing according to the geographic zone (section 1). Additionally, a specific deduction must be made from the licence fees for a particular regulatory purpose (section 1(b)). The regulation also specifies that these requirements supersede any conflicting provisions in the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Statutory Rules 1924, No. 101, as amended). Failure to comply with the requirements of these regulations could potentially lead to various consequences. While the document does not explicitly detail the specific penalties for non-compliance, it is implied that breaches of these statutory rules may result in legal ramifications. Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, which these regulations are made under, penalties could include fines or other legal actions for unauthorised use of wireless telegraphy equipment or non-compliance with licensing requirements. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the relevant provisions of the overarching Act.