Australian Broadcasting Commission Act 1932

01 July 1932

On 1 July 1932, listeners to 12 radio stations around Australia heard Prime Minister Joseph Lyons announce the start of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (later Corporation) – or ABC. The ABC, owned and operated by the Australian Government, aimed to provide access to a range of high-quality and local radio programs for all Australians.

Since 1905 the Australian Government had controlled the airwaves and ensured content was in ‘good taste’. The Australian Broadcasting Commission Act 1932 expanded the role of the Australian Government to include delivering content. It also created a dual broadcasting system; private stations were funded through advertising, and a government-owned national station was funded from listener licence fees and had no advertising.

The ABC network grew steadily, especially in regional areas, and by 1946 most Australians were able to tune in. The ABC was confirmed by the Australian Broadcasting Act 1942, which was updated in 1956 to include government-owned television broadcasting.