Broadcasting Act 1942

This legislation (Part IIID of the Broadcasting Act 1942) regulates political advertising on television and radio during Australian elections to ensure fair media access and prevent government advantage.

What it does:

• Bans political ads during election periods: During specific "election periods" (typically from when polling day is announced until polls close), broadcasters cannot air political advertisements for governments, government authorities, or other entities. This prevents incumbent governments from flooding airwaves with taxpayer-funded ads.
• Provides free broadcasting time: Political parties and independent candidates receive free airtime. Major parties with parliamentary representation get automatic allocations (90% of available time distributed by past vote share), while minor parties and independents can apply to a Tribunal for remaining time.
• Strict format rules for free time: "Election broadcasts" must follow rigid rules: single speaker only, head-and-shoulders camera shot (no dramatic enactments), specific durations (2 minutes for TV, 1 minute for radio), and proper authorization announcements.
• Policy launches: Registered parties can request their policy launch be broadcast once (maximum 30 minutes) during the election period. If one party gets this opportunity, all qualifying parties must get a reasonable opportunity too.
• Exceptions: News programs, current affairs, talkback radio, charitable advertisements (that don't explicitly advocate voting), and public health messages are exempt from the advertising bans.