Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST)—how to submit to the review—fact sheet

If you use or have an interest in VAST, your opinions on the service are important. We want to hear from you, particularly your experience applying for and receiving VAST and how well the service is delivered. Submissions must be received by 5.00pm AEST, Friday 22 June 2018.

Terms of Reference for a review of the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service

Given the significant and rapid changes in the media and technology landscape since VAST commenced, the Department of Communications and the Arts will review the VAST program to advise the Minister for Regional Communication on: the effectiveness and efficiency of the current FTA TV services via VAST, and options relating to the delivery of FTA TV services in areas that do not receive a reliable local terrestrial FTA transmission. The Review is expected to be complete by August 2018.

Review of the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service—issues paper

The Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, has announced the Department of Communications and the Arts will undertake a review (the Review) of the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service. The VAST service provides satellite delivery of free-to-air (FTA) television to approximately 30,000 travellers and 200,000 households unable to receive reliable local terrestrial transmissions. These latter are largely in regional and remote locations.

Audio Description Working Group—final report

Australian audiences have more viewing opportunities than ever before, choosing from a range of services including free-to-air (FTA) television, subscription television (STV), catch-up television, streaming services, subscription video on demand (SVOD) and user generated video. Australia's FTA and STV broadcasters provide access to iconic cultural and sporting events, news, current affairs and entertainment, including Australian content. The sector plays an important role in reflecting and informing Australian cultural life.

Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories report: The strategic importance of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories (May 2018)

The strategic importance of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories Recommendation 1

Indian Ocean Territories Budget Overview 2017-18

Review of rail access regimes

Board Appointments Senate Order—6 February 2018 to 30 April 2018

Appointments made by the Australian Government in the Communications and the Arts portfolio in the period 6 February 2018 to 30 April 2018.

Grants approved for the period 6 February 2018 to 30 April 2018

Australian Government response to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee report—Copyright Amendment (Service Providers) Bill 2017

In light of the ongoing entrenched and polarised views of stakeholders on safe harbour reform, the Government supports the Committee’s recommendation to expand safe harbour to the educational, cultural and disability sectors. These sectors provide valuable services to the community and already demonstrate a comprehensive approach to managing and protecting copyright content. Submissions to the Committee demonstrate that there is strong support from a wide variety of stakeholders to extend the scheme, at least, to these sectors.