ACMA UPDATE: Proposed amateur radio qualification and assessor accreditation arrangements

ACMA UPDATE:

Have your say: Proposed amateur radio qualification and assessor accreditation arrangements

In May 2023, we advised that:
• the Australian Maritime College (AMC) had decided not to extend its deed for services related to amateur qualifications and call sign recommendations
• the ACMA plans to deliver these services from February 2024
• we would consult on proposed new arrangements for an ACMA-managed scheme in August 2023.

We are now consulting on proposed arrangements for a new amateur radio qualification framework and assessor accreditation scheme to be managed by the ACMA. We propose to start implementing these arrangements in December 2023, so they are in place when the amateur class licence begins in February 2024.

To support the ACMA’s new functions, we also propose to introduce new fees for issuing ACMA recognition certificates, assessing applications for recognition of prior learning and issuing call signs.

The fees proposed are similar to the current AMC fees for these services.
A full outline of these fees and how they have been calculated is contained in our draft 2023–24 fees for service Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS), which is also open for consultation.

We invite comments from stakeholders on both consultations by 5 pm (AEST), Tuesday 26 September 2023.

Update: Scientific licensing guidelines
We are also publishing information to support the consideration of applications for assigned scientific licences to authorise certain higher-power experimentation uses by amateurs.
The updated Scientific apparatus licences – Guidelines will provide further information about using and applying for scientific apparatus licences, including for the use of high-power amateur stations.
We will let you know when these guidelines are published on our website.

Response to submissions: September 2022 consultation
We have considered the submissions made during our September 2022 consultation on proposed class-licensing arrangements and our proposal for staged implementation of high-power authorisation for amateur operators. Our response to submissions outlines what we heard from stakeholders in the consultation and our answers, outcomes and next steps.

Notice: Proposal to revoke Overseas Class Licence
When our proposed amateur class-licensing arrangements begin, the Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015 (Overseas Class Licence) will be revoked. Appropriately qualified overseas amateurs visiting Australia will then be authorised to operate amateur stations under the proposed new amateur class licence.

We have published a notice under subsection 136(2) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, to inform interested parties that we intend to revoke the Overseas Class Licence. View more information and the notice.

Clarification: Previous ACMA update
In our 19 July 2023 ACMA update, we advised of ‘proposed’ changes to amateur access in 50–52 MHz and 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency bands.
This was incorrect as the changes were implemented in accordance with the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Omnibus Amendment Instrument 2023 (No.1). These amendments commenced on 14 July 2023 and changed amateur operators’ access in the 50–52 MHz in and 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency bands.

To view online on ACMA website: Link

Page Last Updated: Wednesday, 30 Aug 2023 at 22:29 hours by Lee Moyle

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