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Radiocommunications Act 1992
In force
Administered by
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
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C2024C00659 (C80)
14 October 2024
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Chapter 1—Preliminary
Part 1.1—Formal matters
1 Short title
2 Commencement
Part 1.2—Object of this Act
3 Object
4 Outline of this Act
Part 1.3—Interpretative provisions
5 Definitions
6 Definition of radiocommunication
7 Definitions of radiocommunications device, radiocommunications transmitter and radiocommunications receiver
7A Designated radiocommunications receiver
8 Definitions of radio emission and transmitter
9 Application of labels
9B Digital mode
9C Digital community radio broadcasting representative company
9D Incumbent digital radio broadcasting licensees
10 Public or community services
10A ACMA determinations about space objects
10B Authorised defence supplier
11 References to offences against this Act etc.
Part 1.4—Application of this Act
12 Outline of this Part
Division 1—General
13 Crown to be bound
Division 2—Provisions relating to location and similar matters
14 Operation of this Division
15 Application to external Territories
16 Application outside Australia
17 Offshore areas
17A Greater Sunrise special regime area, Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area and Bayu Undan pipeline international offshore area
18 Application to the atmosphere etc.
Division 3—Provisions extending the concept of radiocommunication
19 Operation of this Division
20 Radio transmissions for the purpose of measurement
21 Astronomical and meteorological observations
22 Lighthouses etc.
Division 4—Matters to which this Act does not apply
23 Foreign space objects, vessels and aircraft
24 Defence research and intelligence
25 Special defence undertakings
26 Additional exemption for defence matters
27 Exemption for defence, law enforcement and emergency personnel
28 Use of devices by the ACMA
Part 1.5—Ministerial policy statements
28A Simplified outline of this Part
28B Ministerial policy statements
28C The ACMA must have regard to Ministerial policy statements
Part 1.6—The ACMA’s work program
28D Simplified outline of this Part
28E The ACMA’s work program
28F Consultation
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Chapter 2—Radio frequency planning
29 Outline of this Chapter
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Part 2.1—Spectrum plans and frequency band plans
30 Spectrum plans
31 Planning of broadcasting services bands
32 Frequency band plans
33 Publication etc. of plans
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Part 2.2—Marketing plans
37 Preparation or variation of frequency band plans
39 Marketing plans—unencumbered spectrum
39A Marketing plans—re allocation of spectrum
41 Delays in preparing marketing plans
42 Variation of marketing plans
44 Expressions of interest in spectrum licences
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Part 2.3—Digital radio channel plans
44A Preparation of digital radio channel plans
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Chapter 3—Licensing of radiocommunications
45 Outline of this Chapter
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Part 3.1—Unlicensed radiocommunications
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Division 1—Offences and civil penalties
46 Unlicensed operation of radiocommunications devices
47 Unlawful possession of radiocommunications devices
48 Additional provisions about possession of radiocommunications devices
49 Emergency operation etc. of radiocommunications devices
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Division 2—Civil proceedings
50 Civil proceedings
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Part 3.2—Spectrum licences
51 Outline of this Part
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Division 1—Issuing spectrum licences
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Subdivision B—Issuing spectrum licences
60 Procedures for allocating spectrum licences
60A Direct allocation of spectrum licences
60B Restriction on allocation of spectrum licences
61 Preparation of draft spectrum licences
62 Issue of spectrum licences
63 Compliance with marketing plans
Subdivision C—Contents of spectrum licences
64 Authorisation to use part of the spectrum
65 Duration of spectrum licences
65A Renewal statements etc.
66 Core conditions of spectrum licences
67 Conditions about payment of charges
68 Conditions about third party use
68A Authorisation under spectrum licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct
69 Conditions about registration of radiocommunications transmitters
69A Conditions about residency etc.
71 Other conditions of spectrum licences
Subdivision D—Rules about section 50 and related provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act
71A Issue of spectrum licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct
Division 2—Varying spectrum licences
72 Variation with agreement
73 Variation without agreement
73A Conditions included in a spectrum licence—decision making powers
Division 3—Suspending and cancelling spectrum licences
74 Application of this Division
75 Suspending spectrum licences
76 Period of suspension
77 Cancelling spectrum licences
Division 3A—Renewal of spectrum licences
77A Applications for renewal of spectrum licences
77B Further information
77C Renewal of spectrum licences
77D Notice of refusal to renew spectrum licence etc.
77E Application of other provisions
Division 4—Issuing further spectrum licences (otherwise than by way of renewal)
78 Notice of spectrum licences that are about to expire
79 Preparation of draft further spectrum licences
80 Procedures for re allocating spectrum licences
81 Issue of further spectrum licences
83 General rules about newly issued spectrum licences apply to re issued spectrum licences
84 Commencement of re issued spectrum licences
Division 5—Trading spectrum licences
85 Trading spectrum licences
86 Registration of assignments etc.
87 Variation etc. of spectrum licences to take assignments into account
88 Rules about assignments etc.
Division 6—Resuming spectrum licences
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Subdivision A—Resuming spectrum licences by agreement
89 ACMA may resume spectrum licences by agreement
90 Effect of resumption
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Subdivision B—Resuming spectrum licences by compulsory process
91 ACMA may resume spectrum licences compulsorily
92 Effect of resumption
93 Payment of compensation
94 Interest payable on resumption etc.
95 Reaching agreements during the compulsory process
Part 3.3—Apparatus licences
96 Outline of this Part
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Division 1A—Use of spectrum for community broadcasting
96A Policy in relation to certain community broadcasting services and open narrowcasting television services
96B Licences of certain kinds must not be granted to new holders after 30 June 2021
96C Declaration to make spectrum available for alternative uses
96D Determination of specified day
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Division 1—Kinds of apparatus licences
97 Transmitter licences and receiver licences
98 Types of transmitter licences and receiver licences
98C Foundation category 1 digital radio multiplex transmitter licence
98D Foundation category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licence
98E Limit on declaration of foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
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Division 2—Issuing apparatus licences
99 Applications for apparatus licences
100 Issuing apparatus licences
100AA NBS transmitter licences—authorised channels
100A NBS transmitter licences—authorisation of datacasting services
100C NBS transmitter licences—authorisation of radio broadcasting services
100D NBS transmitter licences—authorisation of SDTV multi channelled national television broadcasting services
100E NBS transmitter licences—authorisation of HDTV multi channelled national television broadcasting services
101 Testing of radiocommunications devices
101A Transmitter licences for temporary community broadcasting
102 Transmitter licences for certain broadcasting services
102AD Transmitter licences—authorised channels
102C Category 1 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
102D Category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
102E Category 3 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
102F Limit on issue of non foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
102G Limits on use of the spectrum
103 Duration of apparatus licences
103A Renewal statements etc.
103B Variation of renewal statements etc. with agreement
103C Variation of renewal statements etc. without agreement
104 Compliance with plans
105 Restrictions on issuing apparatus licences
105A Notice of apparatus licences that are about to expire
106 Price based allocation system for certain transmitter licences
106A Issue of apparatus licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct
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Division 3—Conditions of apparatus licences
107 General conditions
108 Additional conditions for transmitter licences
108A Conditions of transmitter licences for temporary community broadcasters
109 Conditions of transmitter licences for certain broadcasting services
109B Conditions of digital radio multiplex transmitter licences—general
109C Conditions of category 1 and category 2 digital radio multiplex transmitter licences—access etc.
109D Conditions of foundation digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
110 Conditions relating to interference
110A Conditions determined by the ACMA
111 Changes to licence conditions
111A Licence conditions may confer powers on the ACMA or a person who holds an accreditation
112 Guidelines relating to conditions etc.
113 Contravention of conditions
113A Constitutional safety net—issue of shares to digital community radio broadcasting representative company
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Division 4—Third party users
114 Licensees may authorise third party users
114A Authorisation under apparatus licence taken to be an acquisition of an asset and conduct
115 Determinations limiting authorisation of third party users
116 Revocation of authorisations
117 Licensees must keep records of authorisations
118 Licensees must notify authorised persons of certain matters
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Division 4B—Access to digital radio multiplex transmitter licences
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Subdivision A—Introduction
118N Simplified outline
118NA Scope
118NB Definitions
118NC National broadcasters
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Subdivision B—Access undertakings
118ND Digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees must give the ACCC access undertakings
118NE Further information about access undertakings
118NF ACCC to accept or reject access undertakings
118NG Duration of access undertakings etc.
118NH Variation of access undertakings
118NI Further information about variation of access undertakings
118NJ Decision making criteria
118NK Register of access undertakings
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Subdivision C—Standard access obligations, excess capacity access obligations and distributed capacity access obligations
118NL Standard access obligations
118NM Excess capacity access obligations
118NN Distributed capacity access obligations
118NO Compliance with access obligations
118NP Other obligations
118NQ Standard access entitlements of commercial broadcasters
118NR Standard access entitlements of community broadcasters
118NS Standard access entitlements of national broadcasters
118NT Excess capacity access entitlements etc.
118NU Distributed capacity access entitlements etc.
118NV Capacity cap—digital commercial radio broadcasting licensees
118NW Suspension of access entitlements
118NX Transfer of digital radio multiplex transmitter licence
118NY Renewal of digital radio multiplex transmitter licence
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Subdivision D—Enforcement
118NZ Judicial enforcement of access obligations etc.
118P Enforcement of access undertakings
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Subdivision E—External audits
118PA External audits
118PB Eligibility for appointment
118PC External auditor may have regard to the results of previous audit
118PD External auditors
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Subdivision F—Review of decisions
118PE Review by Australian Competition Tribunal
118PF Functions and powers of Australian Competition Tribunal
118PG Provisions that do not apply in relation to a Australian Competition Tribunal review
118PH Statement of reasons for reviewable decision—specification of documents
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Subdivision G—Injunctions
118PI Injunctions
118PJ Interim injunctions
118PK Discharge or variation of injunctions
118PL Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply
118PM Other powers of the Federal Court unaffected
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Subdivision H—Miscellaneous
118PN Annual reports
118PO Procedural Rules
118PP Constitutional safety net
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Division 4C—Access to broadcasting transmission towers etc. by digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees and authorised persons
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Subdivision A—Introduction
118Q Simplified outline
118QA Definitions
118QB Designated associated facilities
118QC Extended meaning of access
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Subdivision B—Access to broadcasting transmission towers etc. by digital radio multiplex transmitter licensees
118QD Access to broadcasting transmission towers
118QE Access to designated associated facilities
118QF Access to sites of broadcasting transmission towers
118QG Terms and conditions of access
118QH Code relating to access
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Subdivision C—Miscellaneous
118QI Arbitration—acquisition of property
118QJ Relationship between this Division and the National Transmission Network Sale Act 1998
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Division 5—Qualified operators
119 ACMA to determine the need for qualified operators
120 Applications for certificates of proficiency
121 Issuing certificates of proficiency
122 Restrictions on issuing certificates of proficiency
122A Delegating the power to issue certificates of proficiency
123 Re examination of qualified operators
124 Cancelling certificates of proficiency
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Division 6—Suspending and cancelling apparatus licences
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Subdivision A—General provisions
125 Application of this Subdivision
126 Suspending apparatus licences
127 Period of suspension
128 Cancelling apparatus licences
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Subdivision B—International broadcasting services
128A Application of this Subdivision
128B Cancelling transmitter licences
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Division 7—Renewing apparatus licences
129 Applications for renewal of apparatus licences
129A Further information
130 Renewing apparatus licences
131 Application of other provisions
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Division 8—Transfer of apparatus licences
131AA Applications for transfer of apparatus licences
131AB Transfer of apparatus licences
131AC Apparatus licences not transferable in certain circumstances
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Division 10—Provisional international broadcasting certificates
131AE Applications for certificates
131AF Issuing certificates
131AG Duration of certificates
Part 3.4—Class licences
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Division 1—General
132 ACMA may issue class licences
133 Conditions of class licences
134 Varying class licences
136 Consultation on variations and revocations
137 Compliance with plans
138 Parts of the spectrum allocated for spectrum licences
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Division 2—Requests for advice
140 Requests for advice on operation of radiocommunications devices
141 ACMA to advise on the operation of radiocommunications devices
142 The effect of the ACMA’s advice
Part 3.5—Registration of licences
143 The Register of Radiocommunications Licences
144 Contents of the Register—spectrum licences
145 Refusal to register radiocommunications transmitters for operation under spectrum licences
146 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of spectrum licences into account
147 Contents of the Register—apparatus licences
148 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of apparatus licences into account
149 Contents of the Register—class licences
150 Updating the Register to take variations etc. of class licences into account
151 Inspection of the Register
152 Parts of the Register may be kept confidential
153 Correction of the Register
Part 3.6—Re allocation of encumbered spectrum
153A Outline of this Part
153B Spectrum re allocation declaration
153D Affected apparatus licences and licensees
153H Effect of spectrum re allocation declaration
153J Revocation and variation of spectrum re allocation declaration
153K Automatic revocation of spectrum re allocation declaration if no licences allocated by re allocation deadline
153L Re allocation by means of issuing spectrum licences
153M Re allocation by means of issuing apparatus licences
153N Restriction on issuing spectrum licences for parts of the spectrum subject to re allocation
153P Restriction on issuing apparatus licences for parts of the spectrum subject to re allocation
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Chapter 4—General regulatory provisions
154 Outline of this Chapter
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Part 4.1—Equipment
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Division 1—Introduction
155 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Equipment rules
156 Equipment rules
157 Constitutional limits
158 Standards
159 Obligations, prohibitions and permits
160 Breach of equipment rules and permit conditions
161 Equipment rules may confer powers on the ACMA
162 Equipment rules may confer powers on accredited persons
163 Equipment rules may authorise the charging of fees by certain persons
164 Divisions 4 and 5 do not limit the ACMA’s power to make equipment rules
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Division 3—Protected symbols
165 Use or application of protected symbols
166 Protected symbol
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Division 4—Bans on equipment
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Subdivision A—Interim bans
167 Interim bans on equipment
168 Duration of interim bans
169 Revocation of interim bans
170 Compliance with interim bans
171 Actions for damages
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Subdivision B—Permanent bans
172 Permanent bans on equipment
173 When permanent bans come into force
174 Revocation of permanent bans
175 Compliance with permanent bans—offences
176 Compliance with permanent bans—civil penalties
177 Actions for damages
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Subdivision C—Presumptions
178 Presumptions
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Subdivision D—Amnesty for banned equipment
179 Amnesty for banned equipment
180 The ACMA may take possession of equipment
181 Forfeiture of equipment to the Commonwealth
182 Forfeited equipment may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of
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Division 5—Recall of equipment
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Subdivision A—Compulsory recall of equipment
183 Compulsory recall of equipment
184 Contents of a recall notice
185 Obligations of a supplier in relation to a recall notice
186 Compliance with recall notices
187 Actions for damages
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Subdivision B—Voluntary recall of equipment
188 Notification requirements for a voluntary recall of equipment
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Part 4.2—Offences relating to radio emission
192 Interference likely to prejudice safe operation of vessels, aircraft or space objects
193 Interference in relation to certain radiocommunications
194 Interference likely to endanger safety or cause loss or damage
195 Transmission from foreign vessel, aircraft or space object
196 Emergency transmissions etc.
197 Causing interference etc.
198 Transmission of false information
199 Transmission likely to cause explosion
200 Imputed knowledge
201 Operation of laws of States or Territories
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Part 4.3—Settlement of interference disputes
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Division 1—Conciliators
202 Conciliator
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Division 2—Referral of matters to conciliators
205 Referral of complaints to conciliators
206 Referral of other matters to conciliators
207 Consideration of whether to refer a matter
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Division 3—The conciliation process
208 Conciliator may effect settlement in relation to disputed conduct
209 Conciliator may decide not to make inquiry
210 Compulsory conference
211 Protection from civil actions
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Division 4—Directions
212 ACMA may issue directions
213 Complainants to be kept informed
214 Contravention of a direction
215 Commonwealth not liable for costs
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Division 5—Miscellaneous
216 Offences relating to settlement of interference disputes
217 Operation of State and Territory laws
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Part 4.4—Restricted use zones
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Division 1—Declarations of emergency
219 Declaration of period of emergency
220 Circumstances in which Proclamation may be made
221 Termination of period of emergency
221A Effect of a national emergency declaration
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Division 2—Restrictive orders
222 Restrictive orders
223 Publication of restrictive orders
224 Application of orders to broadcasting
225 Revocation of orders
226 Orders may have extended operation
227 Contravention of orders
228 Orders to prevail over inconsistent laws
229 Restrictive orders are legislative instruments
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Division 3—Guidelines for making restrictive orders
230 Minister may make guidelines
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Chapter 5—Administration and enforcement
231 Outline of this Chapter
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Part 5.1—Delegation
238 Delegation
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Part 5.3—Advisory guidelines
262 ACMA may make advisory guidelines
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Part 5.4—Accreditation
263 ACMA may accredit persons
264 Conditions of accreditation
264A Withdrawal of accreditation
265 Procedure for withdrawing accreditation
266 Accreditation rules
266A ACMA determination in relation to certificates
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Part 5.5—Enforcement
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Division 1—Introduction
267 Simplified outline of this Part
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Division 2—Enforcement
268 Remedial directions—breach of civil penalty provision
269 Civil penalty provisions—enforcement
270 Infringement notices
271 Enforceable undertakings
272 Injunctions
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Division 3—Forfeiture notices
273 Provisions subject to a forfeiture notice
274 When a forfeiture notice may be given
275 Matters to be included in a forfeiture notice
276 Extension of time to agree to forfeit a thing to the Commonwealth
277 Withdrawal of a forfeiture notice
278 Effect of agreeing to forfeit a thing to the Commonwealth
279 The ACMA may take possession of a thing
280 Forfeiture of a thing to the Commonwealth
281 Forfeited things may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of
282 Effect of this Division
283 Designated forfeiture officer
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Division 4—Inspectors
284 Inspectors
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Division 5—Monitoring and investigation powers
284A Monitoring powers
284B Investigation powers—general
284C Identity card
284D Retention of thing seized etc.
284E Securing evidential material
284F Directions to licensees—managing interference with radiocommunications
284H Powers of inspectors to require operation of transmitters
284J General powers of inspectors
284K Self incrimination etc.
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Division 6—Power of inspectors to enter premises and adjust transmitters in emergencies
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Subdivision A—Powers of inspectors
284KA Power of inspectors to enter premises and adjust transmitters in emergencies
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Subdivision B—Investigation warrants
284KB Transmitter access warrants
284KC Offence relating to warrants
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Subdivision C—Issuing officers
284KD Issuing officer
284KE Powers of issuing officers
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Division 7—Court ordered forfeiture
284L Court may order forfeiture
284M Forfeited goods may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of
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Division 8—Public warning notices
284N Public warning notices
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Division 9—Miscellaneous
284P Act not to affect performance of duties by inspectors
284Q Inspectors not authorised to enter or search certain land or premises etc. used for defence purposes
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Part 5.5A—Information gathering powers
284R Simplified outline of this Part
284S The ACMA may obtain information or documents
284T Copying documents—compensation
284U Copies of documents
284V ACMA may retain documents
284W Self incrimination
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Part 5.6—Review of decisions
285 Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA
286 Deadlines for reaching certain decisions
287 Statements to accompany notification of decisions
288 Applications for reconsideration of decisions
289 Reconsideration by the ACMA
290 Deadlines for reconsiderations
291 Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration
292 Review by the ART
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Part 5.7—Charges
294 Spectrum access charges
295 Publication of determinations
296 Collection of charges on behalf of the ACMA
297 Limits on charges
298 Recovery of charges
298A Fees imposed by bodies or organisations
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Chapter 6—Miscellaneous
299 International agreements etc.
300 Labelling of radiocommunications transmitters for purposes of identification
300A Transitional—failure to comply with requirements to be met after a label has been applied to a device
300B Transitional—general powers of inspectors
300C Transitional—retention of records of the supply of radiocommunications devices
302 Exemptions from certain compliance provisions
303 Compilation etc. of information
304 Applications in electronic form
304A Service of notices and instruments by electronic means
305 Evidentiary certificates
305A Computerised decision making
306 Conduct by directors, employees and agents
307 Surrender of licences, certificates and permits
308 No compensation for suspensions and cancellations
308A Compensation for acquisition of property
309 Officers and employees of governments and authorities
310 Operation of this Act in relation to the Broadcasting Services Act
311 Act not to affect performance of functions by States or certain Territories
312 Application of the Competition and Consumer Act
313 Legislation of the Australian Antarctic Territory
313A Application of the Criminal Code
313B Legislative rules
314 Regulations
314A Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments
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Schedule—Resuming spectrum licences by compulsory process
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Part 1—Resumption Procedures
1 Pre acquisition declarations
2 Service on licensees and third party users
3 Resumption notices
4 Date of effect of resumptions
5 Notification of licensees
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Part 2—Compensation
1 The basis on which compensation is payable
2 Amounts of compensation payable
3 Claims for compensation
4 Consideration of claims by the ACMA
5 Deadline for consideration of claims
6 Consideration of offers by licensees
7 Determination of compensation by the ART
8 Determination of compensation by the Federal Court
9 Determination of compensation by independent valuers
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Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history