Current blackout periods
We will only list information here on blackout periods for referendums and these elections:
- federal, including by-elections
- state
- territory.
Farrer by-election
From 12am Thursday 7 May 2026, radio and TV broadcasters are prohibited by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 from showing any election advertisements ahead of the by-election for the Federal seat of Farrer, to be held on Saturday 9 May 2026. The blackout lasts until the polls close at 6pm that Saturday.
The election advertising blackout applies to broadcasters whose services broadcast into the radio and TV licence areas which cover the electorate of Farrer, including:
- commercial television broadcasting licensees
- commercial radio broadcasting licensees
- community broadcasting licensees
- subscription television broadcasting licensees
- providers of broadcasting services under class licences.
The election advertising blackout only applies to broadcasters. It does not include online services and print media.
Maps of radio and television licence areas that cover the electorate of Farrer can be accessed here:
See your state or territory electoral commission for information on:
- state by-elections
- local government elections.
The blackout period
You cannot broadcast any election or referendum ads from the end of the Wednesday before the relevant polling day until the close of the poll on polling day. This rule applies to general elections, by-elections for the state, territory and federal Parliaments and referendums. It does not apply to local government elections.
The blackout period only applies to broadcasters. Online services (including streamed content viewed on smart TVs) and print media can still publish election or referendum ads during a blackout period.