Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsNote: See section 216E.
1 Simplified outline of this Schedule
• The ACMA may make online content service provider rules about gambling promotional content provided on an online content service in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event.
• The ACMA may exempt an online content service, or an online content service provider, from the online content service provider rules.
• If an online content service provider contravenes the online content service provider rules, the provider may become liable to pay a civil penalty.
• The ACMA may give a remedial direction to an online content service provider if the provider contravenes the online content service provider rules.
In this Schedule:
"access" includes:
(a) access that is subject to a pre - condition (for example, the use of a password); and
(b) access by way of push technology; and
(c) access by way of a standing request.
"account" includes:
(a) a free account; and
(b) a pre - paid account; and
(c) anything that may reasonably be regarded as the equivalent of an account.
"Australia" , when used in a geographical sense, includes all the external Territories.
"bet" includes wager.
"commentator betting odds promotion" means gambling promotional content to the extent to which it consists of the provision of betting odds (however described) by a commentator.
"conclusion" , in relation to a sporting event, has a meaning affected by clause 23.
"content" means content:
(a) whether in the form of text; or
(b) whether in the form of data; or
(c) whether in the form of speech, music or other sounds; or
(d) whether in the form of visual images (animated or otherwise); or
(e) whether in any other form; or
(f) whether in any combination of forms.
"coverage" means coverage that involves either or both of the following:
(a) animated visual images;
(b) audio.
"exempt online simulcast service" has the meaning given by clause 4.
"gambling promotional content" means:
(a) advertising content; or
(b) sponsorship content; or
(c) promotional content;
that relates to a gambling service.
"gambling service" has the meaning given by clause 18.
"gambling service provider" means a person who provides a gambling service.
"game" includes an electronic game.
"geographical link to Australia" has the meaning given by clause 5.
"immediate circle" has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications Act 1997 .
"in conjunction with" , when used in relation to live coverage of a sporting event, has the meaning given by clause 21.
"internet carriage service" has the same meaning as in the Online Safety Act 2021 .
"live" , in relation to coverage of a sporting event, means:
(a) live (within the ordinary meaning of that expression); or
(b) delayed, so long as the coverage:
(i) is provided as if it were live (within the ordinary meaning of that expression); and
(ii) begins no later than the conclusion of the sporting event.
"lottery" includes an electronic lottery.
"online content service" has the meaning given by clause 3.
"online content service provider" means a person who provides an online content service.
Note: See clause 6.
"online content service provider rules" means rules made under clause 11.
"provided on an online content service" has the meaning given by clause 7.
"provided to the public" , in relation to a service, has the meaning given by clause 8.
"representative venue-based promotion" means gambling promotional content to the extent to which it consists of:
(a) visual images (whether animated or otherwise) of a representative of a gambling service provider; or
(b) speech of a representative of a gambling service provider;
where those visual images, or that speech, as the case may be, gives the impression that the representative is at, or around, the venue of a sporting event.
"scheduled start" , in relation to a sporting event, has a meaning affected by clause 22.
"service" includes a website.
Note: See also clause 17.
"sporting event" has a meaning affected by clause 19.
"ticket" includes an electronic ticket.
"using" has a meaning affected by clause 9.
"voice call" includes:
(a) if a voice call is not practical for a particular end - user with a disability--a call that is equivalent to a voice call; and
(b) a call that involves a recorded or synthetic voice.
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, online content service means:
(a) a service that delivers content to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving that content, where the delivery of the service is by means of an internet carriage service; or
(b) a service that allows end - users to access content using an internet carriage service;
where the service:
(c) is provided to the public (whether on payment of a fee or otherwise); and
(d) has a geographical link to Australia;
but does not include a service to the extent to which it is:
(e) an exempt online simulcast service; or
(f) an exempt Parliamentary content service (within the meaning of Schedule 7); or
(g) an exempt court/tribunal content service (within the meaning of Schedule 7); or
(h) an exempt official - inquiry content service (within the meaning of Schedule 7); or
(i) a service that enables end - users to communicate, by means of voice calls, with other end - users; or
(j) a service that enables end - users to communicate, by means of video calls, with other end - users; or
(k) a service that enables end - users to communicate, by means of email, with other end - users; or
(l) an instant messaging service that enables end - users to communicate with other end - users; or
(m) an SMS service that enables end - users to communicate with other end - users; or
(n) an MMS service that enables end - users to communicate with other end - users; or
(o) a service that delivers content by fax; or
(p) an exempt data storage service (within the meaning of Schedule 7); or
(q) an exempt back - up service (within the meaning of Schedule 7); or
(r) a service determined under subclause (2).
Note 1: SMS is short for short message service.
Note 2: MMS is short for multimedia message service.
(2) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine one or more services for the purposes of paragraph (1)(r).
4 Exempt online simulcast service
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, exempt online simulcast service means a service, or a part of a service, that is provided to end - users using an internet carriage service, and that:
(a) does no more than provide a stream of content that is identical to the stream of programs transmitted on:
(i) a commercial television broadcasting service provided under a commercial television broadcasting licence; or
(ii) a commercial radio broadcasting service provided under a commercial radio broadcasting licence; or
(iii) a subscription television broadcasting service provided under a subscription television broadcasting licence; or
(iv) a subscription radio narrowcasting service; or
(v) a subscription television narrowcasting service; or
(vi) a broadcasting service provided by the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation; and
(b) provides that stream of content simultaneously, or almost simultaneously, with the transmission of that stream of programs.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), in determining whether a stream of content is identical to a stream of programs, disregard any differences that are attributable to the technical characteristics of the provision or transmission (for example, video resolution or sound quality).
(3) For the purposes of subclause (1), in determining whether a stream of content is identical to a stream of programs, disregard the presence or absence of:
(a) a watermark - type logo; or
(b) a watermark - type insignia;
that is not gambling promotional content.
5 Geographical link to Australia
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a service has a geographical link to Australia if an ordinary reasonable person would conclude that:
(a) the service is targeted at individuals who are physically present in Australia; or
(b) any of the content provided on the service is likely to appeal to the public, or a section of the public, in Australia.
(2) For the purposes of this clause, content is provided on a service if the content is:
(a) delivered by the service; or
(b) accessible to end - users using the service.
6 Online content service provider
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide an online content service merely because the person supplies an internet carriage service that enables content to be delivered or accessed.
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule, a person does not provide an online content service merely because the person provides a billing service, or a fee collection service, in relation to an online content service.
7 When content is provided on an online content service
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, content is provided on an online content service if the content is:
(a) delivered by the online content service; or
(b) accessible to end - users using the online content service.
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule, content is provided on an online content service to an end - user if the content is:
(a) delivered to the end - user by the online content service; or
(b) accessible to the end - user using the online content service.
8 When a service is provided to the public etc.
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a service is provided to the public if, and only if, the service is provided to at least one person outside the immediate circle of the person who provides the service.
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule, a service that is provided to the public is taken to be different from a service that is not provided to the public, even if the content provided on the services is identical.
A reference in this Schedule to using a thing is a reference to using the thing either:
(a) in isolation; or
(b) in conjunction with one or more other things.
10 Extra - territorial application
This Schedule extends to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia.
Part 2 -- Online content service provider rules
11 Online content service provider rules
The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, make rules (the online content service provider rules ) prescribing matters required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed by the online content service provider rules.
The online content service provider rules may make provision for or in relation to a particular matter by empowering the ACMA to make decisions of an administrative character.
Part 3 -- Gambling promotional content
Division 1 -- Online content service provider rules relating to gambling promotional content
13 Gambling promotional content
Prohibiting or regulating gambling promotional content
(1) The online content service provider rules may make provision for or in relation to prohibiting or regulating gambling promotional content provided on online content services in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event.
Note: See also subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .
Explanatory content
(2) The online content service provider rules may make provision for or in relation to requiring online content services providers to ensure that, if:
(a) the provider provides an online content service; and
(b) content that consists of live coverage of a sporting event is, or is to be, provided on the service;
explanatory content that relates to the following is provided on the service:
(c) whether online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause (1) apply in relation to that live coverage;
(d) if so, how those rules apply in relation to that live coverage.
Record - keeping
(3) The online content service provider rules may make provision for or in relation to requiring online content service providers to ensure that, if:
(a) the provider provides an online content service; and
(b) content that consists of live coverage of a sporting event is, or is to be, provided on the service;
the provider will:
(c) make records that:
(i) are of a kind or kinds specified in those rules; and
(ii) are sufficient to enable compliance by the provider with online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause (1) or (2) to be readily ascertained; and
(d) retain those records for the period ascertained in accordance with the first - mentioned rules; and
(e) make those retained records available to the ACMA on request.
Note: See also subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .
(4) For the purposes of subparagraph (3)(c)(i), each of the following is an example of a kind of record:
(a) a written record;
(b) an audio record;
(c) an audio - visual record.
End - user physically present in Australia
(5) Online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause (1) or (2) do not apply in relation to content provided on an online content service to an end - user unless the end - user is physically present in Australia.
14 Accidental or incidental provision of gambling promotional content
The online content service provider rules do not apply in relation to the provision of gambling promotional content on an online content service if:
(a) the gambling promotional content is provided as an accidental or incidental accompaniment to the provision of other content; and
(b) the provider of the online content service does not receive any direct or indirect benefit (whether financial or not) for providing the gambling promotional content (in addition to any direct or indirect benefit that the provider receives for providing the other content).
15 Individual exemptions from online content service provider rules
(1) The ACMA may, by writing, determine that a specified online content service is exempt from online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(2) The ACMA may, by writing, determine that a specified online content service is exempt from one or more specified provisions of online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(3) The ACMA may, by writing, determine that a specified online content service provider is exempt from online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(4) The ACMA may, by writing, determine that a specified online content service provider is exempt from one or more specified provisions of online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
Decision - making criteria
(5) In deciding whether to make a determination under subclause (1) or (2) in relation to an online content service, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) whether the online content service is a small online content service; and
(b) whether a failure to make the determination would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect on the financial circumstances of the provider of the online content service; and
(c) the likely impact of a failure to make the determination on the quantity and quality of content provided on the online content service; and
(d) such other matters (if any) as the ACMA considers relevant.
(6) In deciding whether to make a determination under subclause (3) or (4) in relation to an online content service provider, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) whether the online content services provided by the provider are small online content services; and
(b) whether a failure to make the determination would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect on the financial circumstances of the provider; and
(c) the likely impact of a failure to make the determination on the quantity and quality of the content provided on the online content services provided by the provider; and
(d) such other matters (if any) as the ACMA considers relevant.
Small online content service
(7) For the purposes of this clause, in determining whether an online content service is a small online content service, the ACMA must have regard to:
(a) if the service has accounts for end - users--the number of accounts that are held by end - users who are ordinarily resident in Australia; and
(b) if the service does not have accounts for end - users--the number of end - users who are ordinarily resident in Australia; and
(c) such other matters (if any) as the ACMA considers relevant.
(8) For the purposes of paragraphs (7)(a) and (b), the ACMA may make such assumptions and estimates as the ACMA considers reasonable.
(9) The ACMA may publish on the ACMA's website a statement that explains the ACMA's approach to the administration of subclauses (7) and (8).
(10) A statement under subclause (9) is not a legislative instrument.
Other matters
(11) A determination under this clause may be:
(a) unconditional; or
(b) subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(12) If the ACMA makes a determination under subclause (1), (2), (3) or (4), the ACMA must publish a copy of the determination on the ACMA's website.
(13) Subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to subclause (1), (2), (3) or (4).
(14) A determination made under subclause (1), (2), (3) or (4) is not a legislative instrument.
16 Class exemptions from online content service provider rules
(1) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that online content services included in a specified class of online content services are exempt from online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(2) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that online content services included in a specified class of online content services are exempt from one or more specified provisions of online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(3) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that online content service providers included in a specified class of online content service providers are exempt from online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(4) The ACMA may, by legislative instrument, determine that online content service providers included in a specified class of online content service providers are exempt from one or more specified provisions of online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause 13(1) or (2).
(5) A determination under this clause may be:
(a) unconditional; or
(b) subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
Division 2 -- Interpretive provisions
(1) For the purposes of the application of this Schedule to a sporting event, if content that consists of live coverage of the sporting event is, or is to be, provided on a distinct part of an online content service (the overall online content service ):
(a) that part is taken to be an online content service in its own right; and
(b) that part is taken not to be included in the overall online content service.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), it is immaterial whether:
(a) gambling promotional content; or
(b) any other content;
is, or is to be, provided on that part.
For the purposes of this Schedule, gambling service means:
(a) a service for the placing, making, receiving or acceptance of bets; or
(b) a service the sole or dominant purpose of which is to introduce individuals who wish to make or place bets to individuals who are willing to receive or accept those bets; or
(c) a service for the conduct of a lottery; or
(d) a service for the supply of lottery tickets; or
(e) a service for the conduct of a game, where:
(i) the game is played for money or anything else of value; and
(ii) the game is a game of chance or of mixed chance and skill; and
(iii) a customer of the service gives or agrees to give consideration to play or enter the game; or
(f) a gambling service (within the ordinary meaning of that expression) that is not covered by any of the above paragraphs.
(1) Each of the following is taken to be a sporting event for the purposes of this Schedule:
(a) the Summer Olympic Games;
(b) the Winter Olympic Games;
(c) the Commonwealth Games;
(d) any similar games.
(2) The online content service provider rules may provide that a specified thing is taken to be a sporting event for the purposes of this Schedule.
(3) The online content service provider rules may provide that a specified thing is taken not to be a sporting event for the purposes of this Schedule.
(4) The following are examples of things that may be specified in the online content service provider rules made for the purposes of subclause (2) or (3):
(a) a match;
(b) a series of matches;
(c) a race;
(d) a series of races;
(e) a stage;
(f) a time trial;
(g) a qualification session;
(h) a tournament;
(i) a round.
(5) For the purposes of this clause, thing includes a series of things.
20 Live coverage of a sporting event
For the purposes of this Schedule, if:
(a) content that consists of live coverage of a sporting event is provided on an online content service; and
(b) there is an unscheduled break in the sporting event;
any content provided on the service during the break is taken to be content that consists of live coverage of the sporting event.
21 Gambling promotional content provided in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, gambling promotional content (other than a commentator betting odds promotion or a representative venue - based promotion) is provided on an online content service in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event if, and only if, the content is provided on the service during the period:
(a) beginning 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the sporting event; and
(b) ending 5 minutes after the conclusion of the sporting event.
(2) However, if coverage of the sporting event is delayed, this clause has effect as if there were a corresponding delay to the period mentioned in subclause (1).
(3) For the purposes of this Schedule, gambling promotional content that consists of a commentator betting odds promotion or a representative venue - based promotion is provided on an online content service in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event if, and only if, the promotion is provided on the service during the period:
(a) beginning 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sporting event; and
(b) ending 30 minutes after the conclusion of the sporting event.
(4) However, if coverage of the sporting event is delayed, this clause has effect as if there were a corresponding delay to the period mentioned in subclause (3).
22 Scheduled start of a sporting event
The online content service provider rules may provide that, for the purposes of the application of this Schedule to a specified sporting event, scheduled start has the meaning given by the online content service provider rules.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 .
23 Conclusion of a sporting event
The online content service provider rules may provide that, for the purposes of the application of this Schedule to a specified sporting event, conclusion has the meaning given by the online content service provider rules.
Note: For specification by class, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 .
24 Complaints to ACMA--online content service provider rules
(1) If a person has reason to believe that an online content service provider has contravened the online content service provider rules, the person may make a complaint to the ACMA about the matter.
(2) The ACMA may conduct an investigation into the complaint if it thinks that it is desirable to do so, but is not required to conduct an investigation.
Note: One of the ACMA's functions is to monitor compliance with the online content service provider rules.
25 Compliance with the online content service provider rules
(1) An online content service provider must not contravene the online content service provider rules.
Civil penalty provision
(2) Subclause (1) is a civil penalty provision.
(3) An online content service provider who contravenes subclause (1) commits a separate contravention of that subclause in respect of each day (including a day of the making of a relevant civil penalty order or any subsequent day) during which the contravention continues.
Designated infringement notice provision
(4) Subclause (1) is a designated infringement notice provision.
26 Remedial directions--breach of the online content service provider rules
Scope
(1) This clause applies if an online content service provider has contravened, or is contravening, the online content service provider rules.
Remedial directions
(2) The ACMA may give the provider a written direction requiring the provider to take specified action directed towards ensuring that the provider does not contravene the online content service provider rules, or is unlikely to contravene the online content service provider rules, in the future.
Note: For variation and revocation, see subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .
(3) The following are examples of the kinds of direction that may be given to an online content service provider under subclause (2):
(a) a direction that the provider implement effective administrative systems for monitoring compliance with the online content service provider rules;
(b) a direction that the provider implement a system designed to give the provider's employees, agents and contractors a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the online content service provider rules, in so far as those requirements affect the employees, agents or contractors concerned.
(4) An online content service provider must not contravene a direction under subclause (2).
Civil penalty provision
(5) Subclause (4) is a civil penalty provision.
(6) An online content service provider who contravenes subclause (4) commits a separate contravention of that subclause in respect of each day (including a day of the making of a relevant civil penalty order or any subsequent day) during which the contravention continues.
Notice
(7) For the purposes of this Act and the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 , a direction under subclause (2) is taken to be a notice under this Schedule.
27 Minister may direct the ACMA about the exercise of its powers
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, give the ACMA a direction about the exercise of the powers conferred on the ACMA by this Schedule (other than Part 4 or 5).
(2) The ACMA must comply with a direction under subclause (1).
28 Service of notices by electronic means
Paragraphs 9(1)(d) and (2)(d) of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 do not apply to:
(a) a notice under this Schedule; or
(b) a notice under any other provision of this Act, so far as that provision relates to this Schedule.
Note: Paragraphs 9(1)(d) and (2)(d) of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 deal with the consent of the recipient of information to the information being given by way of electronic communication.
29 Service of summons, process or notice on corporations incorporated outside Australia
Scope
(1) This clause applies to:
(a) a summons or process in any proceedings under, or connected with, this Schedule; or
(b) a notice under this Schedule; or
(c) a notice under any other provision of this Act, so far as that provision relates to this Schedule;
where:
(d) the summons, process or notice, as the case may be, is required to be served on, or given to, a body corporate incorporated outside Australia; and
(e) the body corporate does not have a registered office or a principal office in Australia; and
(f) the body corporate has an agent in Australia.
Service
(2) The summons, process or notice, as the case may be, is taken to have been served on, or given to, the body corporate if it is served on, or given to, the agent.
(3) Subclause (2) has effect in addition to section 28A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 .
Note: Section 28A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 deals with the service of documents.
30 This Schedule does not limit Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021
This Schedule does not limit the operation of Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021 .
32 Implied freedom of political communication
(1) The provisions of:
(a) this Schedule; and
(b) the online content service provider rules;
have no effect to the extent (if any) that their operation would infringe any constitutional doctrine of implied freedom of political communication.
(2) Subclause (1) does not limit the application of section 15A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to this Act.
The provisions of:
(a) this Schedule; and
(b) the online content service provider rules;
have no effect to the extent (if any) to which their operation would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph).
34 Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
It is the intention of the Parliament that this Schedule is not to apply to the exclusion of a law of a State or Territory to the extent to which that law is capable of operating concurrently with this Schedule.
35 Schedule not to affect performance of State or Territory functions
A power conferred by this Schedule must not be exercised in such a way as to prevent the exercise of the powers, or the performance of the functions, of government of a State, the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory.
National broadcasters who operate a transmitter are subject to restrictions regarding the services that may be transmitted in digital mode using the transmitter.
Owners and operators of broadcasting transmission towers must give digital broadcasters access to the towers for the purposes of installing or maintaining digital transmitters. Applications to the AAT for review of a decision regarding access may be made by the person seeking access, or by the owner or operator of the facility to which access is sought.
• The owner or operator of a broadcasting transmission tower or a designated associated facility must provide:
(a) the holder of a commercial television broadcasting licence; or
(b) a national broadcaster;
with access to the tower or facility.
• The owner or operator of a broadcasting transmission tower must provide:
(a) the holder of a commercial television broadcasting licence; or
(b) a national broadcaster;
with access to the site of the tower.
• This Schedule sets up a system for regulating the provision of datacasting services.
• A person who provides a designated datacasting service must hold a datacasting licence.
• Datacasting content will be subject to restrictions. Those restrictions are designed to encourage datacasting licensees to provide a range of innovative services that are different to traditional broadcasting services.
• The main restrictions on datacasting content are as follows:
(a) restrictions on the provision of certain genres of television programs;
(b) restrictions on the provision of audio content.
• Datacasting licensees will be allowed to provide the following types of content:
(a) information - only programs (including matter that enables people to carry out transactions);
(b) educational programs;
(c) interactive computer games;
(d) content in the form of text or still visual images;
(e) Parliamentary broadcasts;
(f) ordinary email;
(g) internet content.
• A group that represents datacasting licensees may develop codes of practice.
• The ACMA has a reserve power to make a standard if there are no codes of practice or if a code of practice is deficient.
• The ACMA may investigate complaints about datacasting licensees.
• The ACMA may make online content service provider rules about gambling promotional content provided on an online content service in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event.
• The ACMA may exempt an online content service, or an online content service provider, from the online content service provider rules.
• If an online content service provider contravenes the online content service provider rules, the provider may become liable to pay a civil penalty.
• The ACMA may give a remedial
direction to an online content service provider if the provider contravenes
the online content service provider rules.