Broadcasting Services Amendment (Audio Description) Bill 2019

# Broadcasting Services Amendment (Audio Description) Bill 2019 ## What it does This bill updates Australia's broadcasting rules to require TV stations to provide audio descriptions (spoken commentary) of what's happening on screen for people who are blind or have low vision. It formally recognises audio description as part of a TV program — similar to how captions are already treated — and sets requirements for when broadcasters need to start providing it. ## Why it matters Around 300,000 Australians are blind or have low vision. Right now, many can't fully enjoy TV because they can't see what's happening. This change gives them equal access to television content and makes it a legal obligation for broadcasters, not just a nice-to-have. ## Key details - **What counts as audio description**: Spoken commentary that identifies speakers, describes gestures, facial expressions, scene changes, and other visual elements viewers might miss - **Start date**: Broadcasters have at least 18 months from when the bill becomes law to begin providing audio descriptions (roughly mid-2021 if passed immediately) - **Scope**: The bill also tidies up existing captioning rules to work alongside these new audio description requirements, making sure both accessibility features are treated equally under broadcasting law