National, commercial, and subscription television broadcasters must provide a minimum number of hours of audio description per channel each week.

The weekly quota starts at 14 hours; it rises to 21 hours after 36 months; it reaches 28 hours after 48 months.

Broadcasters cannot count previously transmitted programs toward these hourly quotas.

Live programs and programs consisting only of music are exempt from audio description rules.

Broadcasters can apply to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for an exemption order if meeting the rules would cause unjustifiable hardship.

The ACMA must publish draft exemption orders for public submission; it must publish final orders in a format accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.

Affected persons and applicants have the right to seek a review of ACMA decisions regarding exemption orders.

Broadcasters are not penalized for breaches caused by unforeseen technical or engineering difficulties.