Media Release: Alston Determination Extension

The Morrison Government has today extended the Broadcasting Services (“Broadcasting Service” Definition — Exclusion) Determination 2019 (commonly known as the ‘Alston Determination’) for a period of three years. The decision followed a review and consultation process ahead of the Determination’s 1 October 2019 sunset date.

“Under the recent Digital Platform Inquiry, the ACCC has recommended the harmonisation of media regulation between traditional media outlets and those delivering services over the internet,” the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, said.

“The issue of whether livestreamed TV and radio services delivered over the internet should be regulated under the Broadcasting Services Act needs to be considered under any harmonisation of media regulation.

“It therefore makes sense to extend the Alston Determination for a finite period to allow for a thorough consideration of those issues.”

The Department of Communications and the Arts conducted a review of the Determination, which included a consultation process conducted in July. Almost all of the 23 submissions received supported remaking of the Determination.