Right to review exemption orders for television audio description standards
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Audio Description) Bill 2019
Private Member's Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Jordon Steele-John (GRN)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People affected by an exemption order can apply for a review of that decision.
ACMA can set quality standards for audio descriptions on TV; these standards cover audibility, comprehensibility and accuracy.
ACMA must consult people who are blind or have low vision; it must also consult audio description providers before setting standards.
ACMA must ensure audio description standards are in force at all times after a program starts.
ACMA must publish draft exemption orders and invite public submissions for 30 days.
ACMA can only grant an exemption if refusing it would cause unjustifiable hardship for the applicant.
ACMA must publish final exemption orders in a format accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
Broadcasters are not penalized for breaching rules if the cause was an unforeseen technical or engineering failure.