Commonwealth legislation

Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023

In ForceCTH

Jurisdiction

Commonwealth

Collection

legislative instrument

Plain English Summary

8/10 complexity

This instrument authorises people to operate amateur radio stations subject to rules: operators must be qualified or supervised, must use assigned call signs, and must follow band, mode and power limits tied to three qualification levels. It also sets emission and electromagnetic‑energy safety limits, record‑keeping and measurement obligations, and area restrictions (including spectrum‑licensed areas, 3.4–3.6 GHz cells and the Radio Quiet Zone).

The ACMA decides recognition of qualifications, assigns/cancels call signs and approves procedures; operators bear costs for exams, measurements and records and have limited internal appeal rights.

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What it does

This instrument, the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023, authorises operation of amateur radio stations in Australia under a set of specified conditions and technical limits, effective 19 February 2024 (see ss 1-2, 10). It is made under section 132 of the Act (s 3) and repeals the earlier Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 (s 4). The class licence creates a regulatory template: it permits operation without an individual transmitter licence provided the operator and the station comply with the qualification, call sign, purpose, technical, electromagnetic energy (EME) and geographic constraints set out in Part 3 and the Schedules (notably Schedule 1 on EME, Schedule 2 on frequency bands and power limits, Schedule 3 on HCIS areas and Schedule 4 on call signs).

Mechanically, the instrument operates through three main levers:

personal qualification and supervision rules which determine who may operate and under what conditions (ss 8, 11, Schedule 5);
administrative controls over call signs, including assignment, cancellation, assignment periods, contest and special-event call signs, and transitional treatment of existing call signs (Schedule 4, Parts 1-2); and
technical and safety conditions that restrict permitted frequency bands, emission modes, power levels, spurious emissions, electromagnetic energy exposure limits and geographic exclusions (ss 15-18; Schedule 1; Schedule 2; Schedule 3).

The ACMA is given multiple discretionary powers and functions: to declare recognised qualifications and recognised overseas qualifications (s 9), to publish those declarations on its website (s 9(2)), to assign and cancel call signs and to specify forms, methods and charges in line with s 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 (Schedule 4). Administrative review routes are provided: Schedule 6 allows applicants and affected persons to seek reconsideration by ACMA and, in many circumstances, review by the AAT (see Schedule 6). The instrument also embeds technical references into external standards, requiring compliance with ARPANSA and specified measurement standards (Schedule 1, cl 1 and cls 2-4).

Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name

This is the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

2 Commencement

This instrument commences at the start of 19 February 2024.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.

3 Authority

This instrument is made under section 132 of the Act.

4 Repeal

The Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 [F2015L01114] is repealed.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACMA recognition certificate means any of the following:

(a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced);
(b) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation);
(c) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard).

ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) given under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) given under paragraph 3(1)(b) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) given under paragraph 3(1)(c) of Schedule 5.

amateur purpose means any of the following:

(a) self-training in radiocommunications;
(b) intercommunication;
(c) technical investigations of radiocommunications;
(d) transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations, as a means of facilitating intercommunication.

assignment period: see clause 2 of Schedule 4.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

automatic mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation that does not require manual interaction to cause a transmission to be made.

call sign, in relation to a person, means the call sign assigned to the person:

(a) under Schedule 4; or
(b) if the person is a qualified person under paragraph 8(b) – by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia (whether or not it is the country which issued the person’s recognised overseas qualification).

computer controlled mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation where a computer, whether at the site of the transmitter or elsewhere, is used to cause a transmission to be made.

contest call sign means a call sign that:

(a) consists of:
(i) a two letter prefix, where V is the first letter; followed by
(ii) a single numerical digit; followed by
(iii) a single letter; and
(b) is, or is to be, assigned with an assignment period.

emergency services means services provided by:

(a) an organisation established in a State or Territory, or by the Commonwealth, for purposes that include the provision of services during an emergency; or
(b) any other organisation the sole or principal purpose of which is to secure the safety of persons during an emergency.

emission mode: see subsection (2).

HCIS means the cell grouping hierarchy scheme used to describe areas in the Australian Spectrum Map Grid.

Note: HCIS stands for hierarchical cell identification scheme.

HCIS identifier means an identifier used to describe an area in the HCIS.

overseas licence means a licence or permit, however described, that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications device, issued by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia.

qualified person: see section 8.

recognised overseas qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person outside Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person in Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification (Advanced Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(a).

recognised qualification (Foundation Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(b).

recognised qualification (Standard Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(c).

relevant event: see paragraph 2(3)(b) of Schedule 4.

special event call sign: see paragraph 2(3)(a) of Schedule 4.

Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) AAT;
(b) ACMA;
(c) certificate of proficiency;
(d) frequency band;
(e) operate;
(f) radiocommunication;
(g) radiocommunications transmitter;
(h) spectrum plan;
(i) transmitter licence.

Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, including:

(a) Act;
(b) amateur advanced station;
(c) amateur beacon station;
(d) amateur foundation station;
(e) amateur repeater station;
(f) amateur-satellite service;
(g) amateur standard station;
(h) amateur station;
(i) EIRP;
(j) harmful interference;
(k) intercommunication;
(l) mobile station;
(m) necessary bandwidth;
(n) pX;
(o) pY;
(p) Radio Regulations;
(q) space station;
(r) spurious emission.

(2) In this instrument, the emission mode of a transmission made by a radiocommunications transmitter is the designation of the emission worked out in accordance with Appendix 1 (REV.WRC-19) of the Radio Regulations.

Note: Appendix 1 of the Radio Regulations is titled ‘Classification of emissions and necessary bandwidths’. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

(3) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a part of the spectrum or frequency band includes all frequencies that are greater than but not including the lower frequency, up to and including the higher frequency. (4) Unless the contrary intention appears, no condition in Part 3 or Schedule 1 limits any other condition in Part 3 or Schedule 1.

6 References to other instruments

In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears: (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force, or existing, from time to time.

Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.

Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.

7 Call signs

Schedule 4 has effect.

8 Qualified persons

A person is a qualified person if: (a) the person holds: (i) a recognised qualification; or (ii) an ACMA recognition certificate; or (b) the person: (i) is visiting Australia from another country; and (ii) is not an Australian resident; and (iii) has not been in Australia for more than 365 continuous days since the person most recently entered Australia; and (iv) holds a recognised overseas qualification; and (v) has been assigned a call sign by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia (whether or not it is the country which issued the person’s recognised overseas qualification).

9 Recognising qualifications

(1) The ACMA may, in writing, declare a qualification or overseas licence to be one or more of the following: (a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type); (b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type); (c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type). (2) If the ACMA makes a declaration in relation to a qualification or overseas licence under subsection (1), the ACMA must publish on its website: (a) the name of the qualification or overseas licence; (b) the organisation that provides the qualification or issues the overseas licence; and (c) the paragraph of subsection (1) for which the qualification or overseas licence is declared. (3) The ACMA may cancel a declaration of a qualification or overseas licence made under subsection (1). (4) If the ACMA cancels a declaration of a qualification, the ACMA must publish on its website a notice to the effect that the declaration of the qualification or overseas licence has been cancelled. Transitional (5) Schedule 7 has effect.

Part 2 Class licence

10 Class licence

This instrument authorises a person to operate an amateur station, subject to the conditions in Part 3.

Part 3 Conditions

11 Qualification

A person must not operate an amateur station unless the person is: (a) a qualified person; or (b) supervised by a qualified person.

12 Using call signs

(1) Subject to this section, a person must, when operating an amateur station, transmit the person’s call sign at each of the following times: (a) the beginning of each transmission; (b) the end of each transmission; (c) if a transmission lasts more than 10 minutes – at least once every 10 minutes during the transmission. (2) If a person is supervised by a qualified person (supervisor) when operating an amateur station, for the purposes of complying with subsection (1), the person may transmit the supervisor’s call sign at the times required by subsection (1). (3) If a person has a call sign assigned to them by or on behalf of the administration of another country, the person must add the letters VK at the start of the call sign when transmitting it in Australia. (4) If the call sign assigned to a person commences with the letters VK, the person may substitute those letters with the letters AX when complying with subsection (1) on the following dates each year: (a) 26 January; (b) 25 April; (c) 17 May.

Note: 26 January is Australia Day, 25 April is ANZAC Day, and 17 May is World Telecommunication Day.

Note: Example: On a date specified in subsection (4), a person who is assigned the VK1ZZZ call sign may use instead the AX1ZZZ call sign.

(5) If a contest call sign is assigned to a person, the person must not transmit the contest call sign otherwise than when competing in a contest conducted by a body or organisation, whether or not in Australia, that exists primarily for amateur purposes. (6) If a special event call sign is assigned to a person, the person must not transmit the special event call sign otherwise than in relation to the relevant event. (7) If a person is assigned a call sign with the prefix VK0, the person must not transmit the call sign unless the person is located in the Territory.

Note: See sections 15 and 313 of the Act.

(8) If a person is assigned a call sign with the prefix VK9, the person must not transmit the call sign unless the person is located in an external Territory other than the Territory.

Note 1: See section 15 of the Act.

Note 2: External Territory has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(9) In subsections (7) and (8), the Territory has the meaning given by the Australian Antarctic Territory Act 1954. (10) If section 14 applies to a person in relation to a transmission, this section does not apply to the person in relation to that transmission.

13 Operation of station – purposes and transmissions

(1) A person must not operate an amateur station otherwise than for an amateur purpose. (2) A person must not operate an amateur station: (a) to obtain financial gain or reward, or for the purpose of obtaining financial gain or reward; or (b) that is, or as, an amateur repeater station; or (c) that is, or as, an amateur beacon station; or (d) to transmit: (i) a message that enables any person to obtain financial gain or reward; or (ii) a message that is, or includes, an advertisement; or (iii) a message to an amateur station in another country, if the purpose of the transmission would be inconsistent with the table of frequency band allocations in the spectrum plan or a footnote to that table; or (iv) subject to subsection (3), a signal that is encoded, for the purpose of obscuring the meaning of the signal.

Note: A person may only operate an amateur repeater station or an amateur beacon station under a transmitter licence.

(3) A person does not contravene the condition in subparagraph (2)(d)(iv) if one or more of the following applies: (a) the signal is transmitted from the amateur station to a space station in an amateur-satellite service, for the purpose of controlling the operation of the space station; (b) the signal is transmitted from an amateur station to an unattended amateur station, for the purpose of controlling the operation of the unattended amateur station; (c) the signal is transmitted from an amateur station to another amateur station, for the purposes of an emergency services operation; (d) the signal is transmitted from an amateur station to another amateur station, for the purposes of a training exercise related to emergency services. (4) A person must not cause an amateur station to be operated without a person being at the location of the station, unless: (a) the station is operated using: (i) an automatic mode; or (ii) a computer controlled mode; and (b) the station is fitted with a timer that causes automatic shutdown of the station if a malfunction causes an unintended transmission that lasts longer than 10 minutes.

14 Operation of station – emergency services operations and training

(1) This section applies where a person participates in emergency services operations or training exercises for emergency services (regardless of whether any other person is also participating in those operations or exercises). (2) A person must, when operating an amateur station, transmit the person’s call sign at each of the following times: (a) the beginning of each transmission; (b) the end of each transmission; (c) if a transmission or series of transmissions lasts more than 30 minutes – at least once every 30 minutes during the transmission.

15 Operation of station – interference and spurious emissions

(1) A person must not operate an amateur station if its operation causes harmful interference to radiocommunications. (2) A person must not operate an amateur station if its radio emissions include spurious emissions that are not attenuated below the power contained within the emission’s necessary bandwidth, supplied to the antenna transmission line, by: (a) for frequencies less than 30 MHz – the lesser of: (i) 43 + 10 log (pX) dB; (ii) 50 dB; (b) for frequencies equal to or greater than 30 MHz – the lesser of: (i) 43 + 10 log (P) dB; (ii) 70 dB; (3) In paragraph (2)(b), P means the power, in watts, supplied to the antenna transmission line.

16 Operation of station – electromagnetic energy requirements

The conditions in Schedule 1 have effect.

17 Operation of station – permitted frequencies, emission modes and power limits

Operation by persons with ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) or recognised qualification (Foundation Type) (1) A person with, or a person operating an amateur station under the supervision of a person with, either: (a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation); or (b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type); must not operate an amateur station except: (c) on a frequency within a frequency band listed in column 1 of an item in table A in Schedule 2; and (d) at a radiated power that does not exceed the maximum power limit specified for that frequency band in column 2 of that item; and (e) in accordance with the limitations (if any) specified for that frequency band in column 3 of that item. Operation by persons with ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) or recognised qualification (Standard Type) (2) A person with, or a person operating an amateur station under the supervision of a person with, either: (a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard); or (b) a recognised qualification (Standard Type); must not operate an amateur station except: (c) on a frequency within a frequency band listed in column 1 of an item in table B in Schedule 2; and (d) at a radiated power that does not exceed the maximum power limit specified for that frequency band in column 2 of that item; and (e) in accordance with the limitations (if any) specified for that frequency band in column 3 of that item. Operation by persons with ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) or recognised qualification (Advanced Type) (3) A person with, or a person operating an amateur station under the supervision of a person with, either: (a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced); or (b) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type); must not operate an amateur station except: (c) on a frequency within a frequency band listed in column 1 of an item in table C in Schedule 2; and (d) at a radiated power that does not exceed the maximum power limit specified for that frequency band in column 2 of that item; and (e) in accordance with the limitations (if any) specified for that frequency band in column 3 of that item.

18 Operation of station – additional restrictions in certain frequency bands

(1) A person must not operate an amateur station on a frequency within the 3.4 GHz to 3.6 GHz frequency band if the operation would cause a transmission to occur in the area described by the HCIS identifiers in the table in Schedule 3. (2) If a spectrum licence authorises the operation of radiocommunications devices: (a) at one or more frequencies; and (b) within one or more areas; a person must not operate an amateur station: (c) at those frequencies; and (d) within those areas. (3) A person must not operate an amateur station in the RQZ. (4) In this section, RQZ has the meaning given by: (a) the Radiocommunications (Australian Radio Quiet Zone Western Australia) Frequency Band Plan 2023; or (b) if the ACMA makes an instrument to replace that band plan, and that instrument defines the term – that instrument.

Name

1 Name

This is the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

Commencement

2 Commencement

This instrument commences at the start of 19 February 2024.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.

Authority

3 Authority

This instrument is made under section 132 of the Act.

Repeal

4 Repeal

The Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 [F2015L01114] is repealed.

Interpretation

5 Interpretation

(1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACMA recognition certificate means any of the following:

(a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced);
(b) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation);
(c) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard).

ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) given under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) given under paragraph 3(1)(b) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) given under paragraph 3(1)(c) of Schedule 5.

amateur purpose means any of the following:

(a) self-training in radiocommunications;
(b) intercommunication;
(c) technical investigations of radiocommunications;
(d) transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations, as a means of facilitating intercommunication.

assignment period: see clause 2 of Schedule 4.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

automatic mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation that does not require manual interaction to cause a transmission to be made.

call sign, in relation to a person, means the call sign assigned to the person:

(a) under Schedule 4; or
(b) if the person is a qualified person under paragraph 8(b) – by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia (whether or not it is the country which issued the person’s recognised overseas qualification).

computer controlled mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation where a computer, whether at the site of the transmitter or elsewhere, is used to cause a transmission to be made.

contest call sign means a call sign that:

(a) consists of:
(i) a two letter prefix, where V is the first letter; followed by
(ii) a single numerical digit; followed by
(iii) a single letter; and
(b) is, or is to be, assigned with an assignment period.

emergency services means services provided by:

(a) an organisation established in a State or Territory, or by the Commonwealth, for purposes that include the provision of services during an emergency; or
(b) any other organisation the sole or principal purpose of which is to secure the safety of persons during an emergency.

emission mode: see subsection (2).

HCIS means the cell grouping hierarchy scheme used to describe areas in the Australian Spectrum Map Grid.

Note: HCIS stands for hierarchical cell identification scheme.

HCIS identifier means an identifier used to describe an area in the HCIS.

overseas licence means a licence or permit, however described, that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications device, issued by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia.

qualified person: see section 8.

recognised overseas qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person outside Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person in Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification (Advanced Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(a).

recognised qualification (Foundation Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(b).

recognised qualification (Standard Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(c).

relevant event: see paragraph 2(3)(b) of Schedule 4.

special event call sign: see paragraph 2(3)(a) of Schedule 4.

Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) AAT;
(b) ACMA;
(c) certificate of proficiency;
(d) frequency band;
(e) operate;
(f) radiocommunication;
(g) radiocommunications transmitter;
(h) spectrum plan;
(i) transmitter licence.

Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, including:

(a) Act;
(b) amateur advanced station;
(c) amateur beacon station;
(d) amateur foundation station;
(e) amateur repeater station;
(f) amateur-satellite service;
(g) amateur standard station;
(h) amateur station;
(i) EIRP;
(j) harmful interference;
(k) intercommunication;
(l) mobile station;
(m) necessary bandwidth;
(n) pX;
(o) pY;
(p) Radio Regulations;
(q) space station;
(r) spurious emission.

Note: Appendix 1 of the Radio Regulations is titled ‘Classification of emissions and necessary bandwidths’. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

References to other instruments

6 References to other instruments

Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.

Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.

Call signs

7 Call signs

Schedule 4 has effect.

Qualified persons

8 Qualified persons

Recognising qualifications

9 Recognising qualifications

Part 2 Class licence

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name

This is the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

2 Commencement

This instrument commences at the start of 19 February 2024.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.

3 Authority

This instrument is made under section 132 of the Act.

4 Repeal

The Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 [F2015L01114] is repealed.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACMA recognition certificate means any of the following:

(a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced);
(b) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation);
(c) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard).

ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) given under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) given under paragraph 3(1)(b) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) given under paragraph 3(1)(c) of Schedule 5.

amateur purpose means any of the following:

(a) self-training in radiocommunications;
(b) intercommunication;
(c) technical investigations of radiocommunications;
(d) transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations, as a means of facilitating intercommunication.

assignment period: see clause 2 of Schedule 4.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

automatic mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation that does not require manual interaction to cause a transmission to be made.

call sign, in relation to a person, means the call sign assigned to the person:

(a) under Schedule 4; or
(b) if the person is a qualified person under paragraph 8(b) – by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia (whether or not it is the country which issued the person’s recognised overseas qualification).

computer controlled mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation where a computer, whether at the site of the transmitter or elsewhere, is used to cause a transmission to be made.

contest call sign means a call sign that:

(a) consists of:
(i) a two letter prefix, where V is the first letter; followed by
(ii) a single numerical digit; followed by
(iii) a single letter; and
(b) is, or is to be, assigned with an assignment period.

emergency services means services provided by:

(a) an organisation established in a State or Territory, or by the Commonwealth, for purposes that include the provision of services during an emergency; or
(b) any other organisation the sole or principal purpose of which is to secure the safety of persons during an emergency.

emission mode: see subsection (2).

HCIS means the cell grouping hierarchy scheme used to describe areas in the Australian Spectrum Map Grid.

Note: HCIS stands for hierarchical cell identification scheme.

HCIS identifier means an identifier used to describe an area in the HCIS.

overseas licence means a licence or permit, however described, that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications device, issued by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia.

qualified person: see section 8.

recognised overseas qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person outside Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person in Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification (Advanced Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(a).

recognised qualification (Foundation Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(b).

recognised qualification (Standard Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(c).

relevant event: see paragraph 2(3)(b) of Schedule 4.

special event call sign: see paragraph 2(3)(a) of Schedule 4.

Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) AAT;
(b) ACMA;
(c) certificate of proficiency;
(d) frequency band;
(e) operate;
(f) radiocommunication;
(g) radiocommunications transmitter;
(h) spectrum plan;
(i) transmitter licence.

Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, including:

(a) Act;
(b) amateur advanced station;
(c) amateur beacon station;
(d) amateur foundation station;
(e) amateur repeater station;
(f) amateur-satellite service;
(g) amateur standard station;
(h) amateur station;
(i) EIRP;
(j) harmful interference;
(k) intercommunication;
(l) mobile station;
(m) necessary bandwidth;
(n) pX;
(o) pY;
(p) Radio Regulations;
(q) space station;
(r) spurious emission.

Note: Appendix 1 of the Radio Regulations is titled ‘Classification of emissions and necessary bandwidths’. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

6 References to other instruments

Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.

Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.

7 Call signs

Schedule 4 has effect.

8 Qualified persons

9 Recognising qualifications

Part 2 Class licence

10 Class licence

This instrument authorises a person to operate an amateur station, subject to the conditions in Part 3.

Part 3 Conditions

11 Qualification

A person must not operate an amateur station unless the person is: (a) a qualified person; or (b) supervised by a qualified person.

12 Using call signs

Note: 26 January is Australia Day, 25 April is ANZAC Day, and 17 May is World Telecommunication Day.

Note: Example: On a date specified in subsection (4), a person who is assigned the VK1ZZZ call sign may use instead the AX1ZZZ call sign.

Note: See sections 15 and 313 of the Act.

(8) If a person is assigned a call sign with the prefix VK9, the person must not transmit the call sign unless the person is located in an external Territory other than the Territory.

Note 1: See section 15 of the Act.

Note 2: External Territory has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

13 Operation of station – purposes and transmissions

Note: A person may only operate an amateur repeater station or an amateur beacon station under a transmitter licence.

14 Operation of station – emergency services operations and training

15 Operation of station – interference and spurious emissions

16 Operation of station – electromagnetic energy requirements

The conditions in Schedule 1 have effect.

17 Operation of station – permitted frequencies, emission modes and power limits

18 Operation of station – additional restrictions in certain frequency bands

Class licence

10 Class licence

This instrument authorises a person to operate an amateur station, subject to the conditions in Part 3.

Part 3 Conditions

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name

This is the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

2 Commencement

This instrument commences at the start of 19 February 2024.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.

3 Authority

This instrument is made under section 132 of the Act.

4 Repeal

The Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 [F2015L01114] is repealed.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACMA recognition certificate means any of the following:

(a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced);
(b) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation);
(c) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard).

ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) given under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) given under paragraph 3(1)(b) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) given under paragraph 3(1)(c) of Schedule 5.

amateur purpose means any of the following:

(a) self-training in radiocommunications;
(b) intercommunication;
(c) technical investigations of radiocommunications;
(d) transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations, as a means of facilitating intercommunication.

assignment period: see clause 2 of Schedule 4.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

automatic mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation that does not require manual interaction to cause a transmission to be made.

call sign, in relation to a person, means the call sign assigned to the person:

(a) under Schedule 4; or
(b) if the person is a qualified person under paragraph 8(b) – by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia (whether or not it is the country which issued the person’s recognised overseas qualification).

computer controlled mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation where a computer, whether at the site of the transmitter or elsewhere, is used to cause a transmission to be made.

contest call sign means a call sign that:

(a) consists of:
(i) a two letter prefix, where V is the first letter; followed by
(ii) a single numerical digit; followed by
(iii) a single letter; and
(b) is, or is to be, assigned with an assignment period.

emergency services means services provided by:

(a) an organisation established in a State or Territory, or by the Commonwealth, for purposes that include the provision of services during an emergency; or
(b) any other organisation the sole or principal purpose of which is to secure the safety of persons during an emergency.

emission mode: see subsection (2).

HCIS means the cell grouping hierarchy scheme used to describe areas in the Australian Spectrum Map Grid.

Note: HCIS stands for hierarchical cell identification scheme.

HCIS identifier means an identifier used to describe an area in the HCIS.

overseas licence means a licence or permit, however described, that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications device, issued by or on behalf of the administration of a country other than Australia.

qualified person: see section 8.

recognised overseas qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person outside Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification means any of the following that has been issued or awarded by a body, association or person in Australia:

(a) a recognised qualification (Advanced Type);
(b) a recognised qualification (Foundation Type);
(c) a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

recognised qualification (Advanced Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(a).

recognised qualification (Foundation Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(b).

recognised qualification (Standard Type) means a qualification or licence declared under paragraph 9(1)(c).

relevant event: see paragraph 2(3)(b) of Schedule 4.

special event call sign: see paragraph 2(3)(a) of Schedule 4.

Note 1: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) AAT;
(b) ACMA;
(c) certificate of proficiency;
(d) frequency band;
(e) operate;
(f) radiocommunication;
(g) radiocommunications transmitter;
(h) spectrum plan;
(i) transmitter licence.

Note 2: Other expressions used in this instrument may be defined in a determination made under subsection 64(1) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, including:

(a) Act;
(b) amateur advanced station;
(c) amateur beacon station;
(d) amateur foundation station;
(e) amateur repeater station;
(f) amateur-satellite service;
(g) amateur standard station;
(h) amateur station;
(i) EIRP;
(j) harmful interference;
(k) intercommunication;
(l) mobile station;
(m) necessary bandwidth;
(n) pX;
(o) pY;
(p) Radio Regulations;
(q) space station;
(r) spurious emission.

Note: Appendix 1 of the Radio Regulations is titled ‘Classification of emissions and necessary bandwidths’. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

6 References to other instruments

Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.

Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Note 3: See section 314A of the Act.

7 Call signs

Schedule 4 has effect.

8 Qualified persons

9 Recognising qualifications

Part 2 Class licence

10 Class licence

This instrument authorises a person to operate an amateur station, subject to the conditions in Part 3.

Part 3 Conditions

11 Qualification

A person must not operate an amateur station unless the person is: (a) a qualified person; or (b) supervised by a qualified person.

12 Using call signs

Note: 26 January is Australia Day, 25 April is ANZAC Day, and 17 May is World Telecommunication Day.

Note: Example: On a date specified in subsection (4), a person who is assigned the VK1ZZZ call sign may use instead the AX1ZZZ call sign.

Note: See sections 15 and 313 of the Act.

(8) If a person is assigned a call sign with the prefix VK9, the person must not transmit the call sign unless the person is located in an external Territory other than the Territory.

Note 1: See section 15 of the Act.

Note 2: External Territory has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

13 Operation of station – purposes and transmissions

Note: A person may only operate an amateur repeater station or an amateur beacon station under a transmitter licence.

14 Operation of station – emergency services operations and training

15 Operation of station – interference and spurious emissions

16 Operation of station – electromagnetic energy requirements

The conditions in Schedule 1 have effect.

17 Operation of station – permitted frequencies, emission modes and power limits

18 Operation of station – additional restrictions in certain frequency bands

Qualification

11 Qualification

A person must not operate an amateur station unless the person is: (a) a qualified person; or (b) supervised by a qualified person.

Using call signs

12 Using call signs

Note: 26 January is Australia Day, 25 April is ANZAC Day, and 17 May is World Telecommunication Day.

Note: Example: On a date specified in subsection (4), a person who is assigned the VK1ZZZ call sign may use instead the AX1ZZZ call sign.

Note: See sections 15 and 313 of the Act.

(8) If a person is assigned a call sign with the prefix VK9, the person must not transmit the call sign unless the person is located in an external Territory other than the Territory.

Note 1: See section 15 of the Act.

Note 2: External Territory has the meaning given by the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

Operation of station — purposes and transmissions

13 Operation of station – purposes and transmissions

Note: A person may only operate an amateur repeater station or an amateur beacon station under a transmitter licence.

Operation of station — emergency services operations and training

14 Operation of station – emergency services operations and training

Operation of station — interference and spurious emissions

15 Operation of station – interference and spurious emissions

Operation of station — electromagnetic energy requirements

16 Operation of station – electromagnetic energy requirements

The conditions in Schedule 1 have effect.

Operation of station — permitted frequencies, emission modes and power limits

17 Operation of station – permitted frequencies, emission modes and power limits

Operation of station — additional restrictions in certain frequency bands

18 Operation of station – additional restrictions in certain frequency bands

Part 1 Dealing with call signs

Schedule 4—Call signs

(sections 5 and 7)

Part 1 Dealing with call signs

1 Assigning call signs

(1) The ACMA may assign a call sign to a person.

Note: See subsection 133(3) of the Act.

(2) If: (a) a person applies to the ACMA for a call sign to be assigned to the person; and (b) a call sign can be assigned to the person consistently with this clause; and (c) the application is made in the form approved by the ACMA (if any); and (d) the application is made in the method approved by the ACMA (if any); and (e) the person pays the charge (if any) determined under section 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 in relation to such an application; the ACMA must assign a call sign to the person. (3) Nothing in subclause (2) compels the ACMA to assign to the person any particular call sign. (4) The ACMA may: (a) approve one or more forms for the purposes of paragraph (2)(c); and (b) approve one or more methods for the purposes of paragraph (2)(d). (5) The assignment of a call sign to a person must be consistent with the Radio Regulations. (6) Before assigning a call sign to a person, the ACMA must have regard to any policies published on its website that relate to the assignment of a call sign. (7) The ACMA must notify a person, in writing, of a call sign assigned to the person, as soon as reasonably practicable after assigning the call sign. (8) Schedule 6 applies to a decision under subclause (2) to assign a call sign to a person.

Note: Example: A person may make a request under Schedule 6 if they are dissatisfied with the call sign assigned to them.

2 Limitations on assignment

Assignment period (1) If the ACMA assigns a call sign to a person, the ACMA may specify a period (assignment period) during which the assignment of the call sign to the person has effect.

Note: If the ACMA specifies an assignment period for a call sign, the call sign may be a contest call sign (see section 5).

(2) If the ACMA does not specify an assignment period when it assigns a call sign to a person, the assignment of the call sign to the person has effect unless the ACMA cancels the assignment. Special event call signs (3) If the ACMA assigns a call sign to a person, the ACMA: (a) may specify that the call sign is a special event call sign; and (b) if the ACMA specifies that the call sign is a special event call sign – must specify the event in relation to which the call sign may be used (relevant event). (4) If the ACMA specifies an assignment period for a special event call sign, it must specify a period which it reasonably expects will at least encompass the duration of the relevant event.

3 Cancelling assignment of a call sign

(1) The ACMA may, by written notice to a person, cancel an assignment of a call sign to the person. (2) Before cancelling the assignment of a call sign to a person, the ACMA must have regard to any policies published on its website that relate to the cancellation of the assignment of a call sign. (3) Schedule 6 applies to a decision under subclause (1) to cancel an assignment of a call sign to a person.

4 Re-assignment of a call sign

Automatic cancellation at end of assignment period (1) If the ACMA specified an assignment period for the assignment of a call sign to a person, subject to this clause, the assignment is taken to be cancelled at the end of the assignment period. Re-assignment (2) If, before the end of an assignment period for the assignment of a call sign to a person: (a) the person applies to the ACMA for the assignment to be re-assigned; and (b) the application is made in the form approved by the ACMA (if any); and (c) the application is made in the method approved by the ACMA (if any); and (d) the person pays the charge (if any) determined under section 60 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 in relation to such an application; the ACMA may re-assign the call sign to the person. (3) The ACMA may: (a) approve one or more forms for the purposes of paragraph (2)(b); and (b) approve one or more methods for the purposes of paragraph (2)(c). (4) If the ACMA refuses to re-assign a call sign, the ACMA must notify, in writing, the person who applied for re-assignment. (5) Schedule 6 applies to a decision under subclause (2) to refuse to re-assign a call sign to a person.

5 Replacing a call sign in exceptional circumstances

(1) Despite anything else in this Schedule, if: (a) a call sign (original call sign) has been assigned to a person (affected person); and (b) the ACMA is satisfied, having regard to the matters set out in subclause (3), that exceptional circumstances exist that justify assigning a different call sign to the person; then: (c) the ACMA may cancel the assignment of the original call sign; and (d) if the ACMA cancels the assignment of the original call sign, the ACMA must assign a new call sign (replacement call sign) to the affected person under subclause 1(1); and (e) the ACMA must notify the affected person, in writing, that the assignment of the original call sign has been cancelled and the replacement call sign has been assigned to the affected person; and (f) subclauses 1(5) and (6) apply in relation to the assignment of the replacement call sign.

Note: Schedule 6 does not apply to a decision to cancel the assignment of the original call sign under subclause (1).

(2) For the avoidance of doubt, the ACMA may exercise its powers and perform its functions under subclause (1) whether or not any person has requested the ACMA to do so. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the matters are: (a) any representations made by the affected person in relation to the person’s privacy or welfare, and the effect of the original call sign on the person’s privacy or welfare; and (b) whether the ACMA had regard to any policies published on its website that relate to the assignment of a call sign before assigning the original call sign; and (c) any other matter the ACMA considers relevant.

Part 2 Transitional provisions

6 Interpretation

(1) In this Part:

Contest Call Sign list means the list of identifiers and persons:

(a) published by the University of Tasmania, through its institute, the Australian Maritime College, on its website; and
(b) described as the ‘2x1 Callsign register’;

as existing immediately before the commencement of this instrument.

Note: At the time this instrument commenced, the Contest Call Sign list was available, free of charge, from the Australian Maritime College’s website at www.amc.edu.au.

designated transmitter licence call sign: see subclause (3).

existing contest call sign: see subclause (2).

transitioned transmitter licence means a transmitter licence that:

(a) authorised the operation of an amateur station, other than an amateur beacon station or an amateur repeater station; and
(b) was in force immediately before the commencement of this instrument.

transmitter licence call sign means an identifier that was specified in a transitioned transmitter licence.

Note: The identifier is described in the transitioned transmitter licence as a ‘call sign’.

(2) If: (a) a person was named in the Contest Call Sign list immediately before the commencement of this instrument; and (b) an identifier was specified in the Contest Call Sign list for the person; the identifier is an existing contest call sign for the person.

Note: The identifier is described in the Contest Call Sign list as a ‘2x1 Callsign’.

(3) If a person was the licensee of a transitioned transmitter licence that specified a transmitter licence call sign, the ACMA may, by notice in writing to the licensee, designate the transmitter licence call sign to be a designated transmitter licence call sign.

Note: See subsection 133(3) of the Act.

Note: Example: The call sign in a transmitter licence that was issued in relation to a particular special event may be designated by the ACMA under subclause (3).

(4) The ACMA must not designate a transmitter licence call sign unless: (a) for a transmitter licence call sign other than one with the prefix VK0 or VK9 – the ACMA is satisfied that the relevant transitioned transmitter licence was issued in relation to a particular event; and (b) the designation occurs before the earlier of: (i) 1 July 2024; (ii) the time the transitioned transmitter licence ceases to be in force.

7 Transmitter licence call signs

(1) If: (a) a transitioned transmitter licence was issued to a person; and (b) the licence specified a transmitter licence call sign; then, for the purposes of this instrument: (c) the transmitter licence call sign is taken to be a call sign; and (d) that call sign is assigned to the person immediately after the commencement of this instrument, regardless of whether the transmitter licence is subsequently cancelled or surrendered; and (e) subject to subclauses (2) and (3), no assignment period is specified for that assignment of the call sign.

Note: Clause 3 may apply to a call sign assigned to a person under this subclause.

(2) If, at any time before 1 July 2024, a transmitter licence call sign, other than a transmitter licence call sign with the prefix VK0 or VK9, becomes a designated transmitter licence call sign: (a) paragraph (1)(e) ceases to apply in relation to the assignment of the call sign mentioned in that paragraph; and (b) the assignment period specified for that assignment of the call sign is the period: (i) commencing when the transmitter licence call sign becomes a designated transmitter licence call sign; and (ii) ending at the end of 19 February 2025. (3) If, at any time before 1 July 2024, a transmitter licence call sign with the prefix VK0 or VK9, becomes a designated transmitter licence call sign: (a) paragraph (1)(e) ceases to apply in relation to the assignment of the call sign mentioned in that paragraph; and (b) the assignment period specified for that assignment of the call sign is the period commencing when the transmitter licence call sign becomes a designated transmitter licence call sign and ending at the later of: (i) 19 February 2025; (ii) the end of the period specified in the relevant transitioned transmitter licence for the purposes of subsection 103(2) of the Act.

Note: The assignment period ends on the day the relevant transitioned transmitter licence would have expired, regardless of whether the licence was earlier surrendered or cancelled.

8 Contest call signs

If there is an existing contest call sign for a person, for the purposes of this instrument: (a) the existing contest call sign is taken to be a contest call sign; and (b) that contest call sign is assigned to the person immediately after the commencement of this instrument; and (c) the assignment period specified for that assignment of the contest call sign is the period: (i) commencing when this instrument commences; and (ii) ending at the end of the first anniversary of the end date specified in the Contest Call Sign list for the existing contest call sign.

Note: Clause 3 may apply to a call sign assigned to a person under this clause.

Part 2 Transitional provisions

Schedule 4—Call signs

(sections 5 and 7)

Part 1 Dealing with call signs

1 Assigning call signs

(1) The ACMA may assign a call sign to a person.

Note: See subsection 133(3) of the Act.

Note: Example: A person may make a request under Schedule 6 if they are dissatisfied with the call sign assigned to them.

2 Limitations on assignment

Assignment period (1) If the ACMA assigns a call sign to a person, the ACMA may specify a period (assignment period) during which the assignment of the call sign to the person has effect.

Note: If the ACMA specifies an assignment period for a call sign, the call sign may be a contest call sign (see section 5).

3 Cancelling assignment of a call sign

4 Re-assignment of a call sign

5 Replacing a call sign in exceptional circumstances

Note: Schedule 6 does not apply to a decision to cancel the assignment of the original call sign under subclause (1).

Part 2 Transitional provisions

6 Interpretation

(1) In this Part:

Contest Call Sign list means the list of identifiers and persons:

(a) published by the University of Tasmania, through its institute, the Australian Maritime College, on its website; and
(b) described as the ‘2x1 Callsign register’;

as existing immediately before the commencement of this instrument.

Note: At the time this instrument commenced, the Contest Call Sign list was available, free of charge, from the Australian Maritime College’s website at www.amc.edu.au.

designated transmitter licence call sign: see subclause (3).

existing contest call sign: see subclause (2).

transitioned transmitter licence means a transmitter licence that:

(a) authorised the operation of an amateur station, other than an amateur beacon station or an amateur repeater station; and
(b) was in force immediately before the commencement of this instrument.

transmitter licence call sign means an identifier that was specified in a transitioned transmitter licence.

Note: The identifier is described in the transitioned transmitter licence as a ‘call sign’.

Note: The identifier is described in the Contest Call Sign list as a ‘2x1 Callsign’.

Note: See subsection 133(3) of the Act.

Note: Example: The call sign in a transmitter licence that was issued in relation to a particular special event may be designated by the ACMA under subclause (3).

7 Transmitter licence call signs

Note: Clause 3 may apply to a call sign assigned to a person under this subclause.

Note: The assignment period ends on the day the relevant transitioned transmitter licence would have expired, regardless of whether the licence was earlier surrendered or cancelled.

8 Contest call signs

Note: Clause 3 may apply to a call sign assigned to a person under this clause.

Recognised qualifications and recognised

Recognised qualifications and recognised overseas qualifications— transitional provisions

Recognised qualifications and recognised overseas qualifications– transitional provisions

(1) A certificate of proficiency that was issued: (a) in relation to operation of an amateur advanced station, for the purposes of section 119 of the Act; and (b) before the commencement of this Schedule; is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Advanced Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a certificate.

(2) A certificate of proficiency that was issued: (a) in relation to operation of an amateur foundation station, for the purposes of section 119 of the Act; and (b) before the commencement of this Schedule; is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Foundation Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a certificate.

(3) A certificate of proficiency that was issued: (a) in relation to operation of an amateur standard station, for the purposes of section 119 of the Act; and (b) before the commencement of this Schedule; is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a certificate.

(4) If, immediately before the commencement of this Schedule, a qualification or overseas licence was: (a) included in Table A or Table B of the Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences, as existing at that time; and (b) listed in that Table for the purpose of operating an amateur advanced station in Australia; then the qualification or overseas licence is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Advanced Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a qualification.

(5) If, immediately before the commencement of this Schedule, a qualification or overseas licence was: (a) included in Table A or Table B of the Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences, as existing at that time; and (b) listed in that Table for the purpose of operating an amateur foundation station in Australia; then the qualification or overseas licence is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Foundation Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a qualification.

(6) If, immediately before the commencement of this Schedule, a qualification or overseas licence was: (a) included in Table A or Table B of the Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences, as existing at that time; and (b) listed in that Table for the purpose of operating an amateur standard station in Australia; then the qualification or overseas licence is taken to be declared as a recognised qualification (Standard Type).

Note: Subsection 9(3) may apply to such a qualification.

(7) In this Schedule, Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences means the tables of equivalent qualifications and licences on the “Overseas amateurs visiting Australia” webpage of the ACMA’s website.

Note: The Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

Source text: opening excerpt

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.

Part 1 Preliminary Part 1 Preliminary

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name

This is the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023.

2 Commencement

This instrument commences at the start of 19 February 2024.

Note: The Federal Register of Legislation is available, free of charge, at www.legislation.gov.au.

3 Authority

This instrument is made under section 132 of the Act.

4 Repeal

The Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 [F2015L01114] is repealed.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACMA recognition certificate means any of the following:

(a) an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced);
(b) an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation);
(c) an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard).

ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Advanced) given under paragraph 3(1)(a) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Foundation) given under paragraph 3(1)(b) of Schedule 5.

ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) means an ACMA recognition certificate (Standard) given under paragraph 3(1)(c) of Schedule 5.

amateur purpose means any of the following:

(a) self-training in radiocommunications;
(b) intercommunication;
(c) technical investigations of radiocommunications;
(d) transmitting news and information related to the operation of amateur stations, as a means of facilitating intercommunication.

assignment period: see clause 2 of Schedule 4.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

automatic mode, in relation to a radiocommunications transmitter, means a mode of operation that does not require manual interaction to cause a transmission to be made.