12Minister may give directions to the SBS in the national interest

#### 12 Minister may give directions to the SBS in the national interest (1) Where the Minister is of the opinion that the broadcasting of a particular matter by the SBS would be in the national interest, the Minister may direct the SBS to broadcast that matter from all the broadcasting stations from which the SBS programs are broadcast or from such of them as are specified in the direction. (2) Where the Minister gives a direction to the SBS, the SBS must broadcast the matter, free of charge, in accordance with the direction. (3) The Minister may direct that a matter be broadcast in a language or languages specified in the direction. (4) Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 116 of the Broadcasting Act 1942. (4A) If the Minister is of the opinion that the provision of particular content by the SBS would be in the national interest, the Minister may direct the SBS to provide that content on all of its digital media services or on such of them as are specified in the direction. If such a direction is given, the SBS must provide that content, free of charge, in accordance with the direction. (5) A direction under this section must be given in writing, or sent by telex or fax, to the Managing Director. (6) Where the Minister gives a direction under this section to the SBS, the Minister must cause a statement setting out particulars of, and the reasons for, the direction to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after giving the direction.