Regulation change allows regional MPs to reach constituents in their electorate via community radio

On 25 June, the Federal Government’s Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017 were amended to allow regional MPs to use their office expenses to pay for the production or placement of content for broadcast on community radio within their electorate.

This change was made in response to the impact of COVID-19 on regional media and to enable members in regional areas to continue to communicate with their constituents.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia welcomes this Government support measure, which, if utilised, will go some way to mitigating the financial impact that COVID-19, drought and bushfires has had on many of our regional stations. The CBAA also thanks the Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, for pursuing this change with Government.

Along with many Australians, community radio services have faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted significantly on broadcasting resources, staffing and volunteers, and revenue from sponsorship, donations and fundraising. Unfortunately, many stations have struggled to maintain operations.

The CBAA has contacted all regional MPs and regional stations to let them know about this opportunity. Regional MPs will be able to broadcast sponsorship to their constituents where there is crossover between that station’s licence area and the MP’s electorate.

We encourage interested stations to reach out to their office to discuss what paid sponsorship opportunities are available.

Stations needing ideas and tips for communicating with politicians or securing political sponsorship can access our Political Engagement Toolkit.

For questions and assistance, please contact Holly Friedlander Liddicoat (Project Coordinator, Government Relations) on 02 9310 2999 or at [email protected]