The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to support commercial television and radio broadcasters through the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) for one year.
Announced as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2024-25, the measure will provide temporary relief for commercial broadcasters in the face of continuing financial pressures impacting the sector.
The one-year suspension will apply from 9 June 2025 to 8 June 2026 and has been implemented by way of a 100% rebate of the CBT liabilities of all commercial television and radio broadcasters, reducing their liabilities to zero. This will save commercial broadcasters an estimated $50.3 million.
Those regional commercial television and radio broadcasters currently eligible for a partial rebate of their CBT liabilities will be entitled to receive the 100% rebate for one year, after which their partial rebate entitlement will resume.
The one-year 100% rebate has been implemented by the Commercial Broadcasting (Tax) Amendment (Transmitter Licence Tax Rebate) Rules 2025, which are available on the Federal Register of Legislation.
The rebate will be administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
The CBT is a charge for the use of spectrum by commercial radio and television broadcasters. As spectrum is a finite and valuable public resource, the CBT is imposed to ensure the efficient use of spectrum.
The measure is part of the Government's work to support news and media diversity in Australia, including through increased funding for the national broadcaster and the community broadcasting sector, additional support for the Australian Associated Press, and funding for the News Media Assistance Program.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Free-to-air broadcasting services keep Australians informed and entertained with high quality programs that feature local voices and stories.
"The sector continues to face a challenging operating environment, which is why the Government is providing relief by suspending the Commercial Broadcasting Tax for one year.
"This measure is in addition to the Government's delivery of media reforms to modernise the regulatory framework, the provision of stable funding arrangements for the Viewer Access Satellite Television service and our commitment to work with industry on a plan to secure the future of free-to-air television across Australia."
