Action on content complaints and investigations: January to March 2026

The co-regulatory framework is set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA). It gives broadcasters the chance to respond to – and resolve – all complaints about alleged breaches of broadcasting codes before we get involved. 

If the complainant:

• has been to the broadcaster and isn’t satisfied with the response
• has not received a response

we assess their complaint to decide if we investigate.

We also assess all complaints that allege a breach of licence conditions and standards. In assessing a complaint, the ACMA will review:

• the complaint
• any response from the broadcaster
• a copy of the broadcast
• the rules in the relevant code
• public interest considerations. 

Find out more about our broadcasting complaints-handling process. 

Assessment outcomes are also published on the ACMA website.

Assessment decisions

Assessment decisions by sector

Investigations finalised

Investigations finalised by sector

Average time taken to finalise closed investigations, as at 31 March 2026

The table below shows finalised broadcasting investigations and the relevant provisions. Breaches found are shown in bold and links to investigation reports are in the first column.

We take a graduated approach to enforcement in accordance with our compliance and enforcement policy. 

Under the BSA, enforcement options available to us for a breach of an industry code may include:

• accept agreed measures (informal resolution)
• accept a court-enforceable undertaking for non-compliance
• impose an additional licence condition.

For a breach of a licence condition of the BSA, the ACMA may:

• accept agreed measures
• accept a court-enforceable undertaking for non-compliance
• issue a remedial direction requiring action to address the contravention
• impose an additional licence condition.

The ACMA considers matters such as the nature and seriousness of the breach, the level of harm caused to the community, the compliance history of the licensee and any remedial actions proactively undertaken by the licensee in determining its approach. The ACMA will generally publicise any enforcement action it takes. The table below shows enforcement actions taken in the January to March 2026 quarter.