The ACMA has found that the community station 4CCR Cairns breached the Community Broadcasting Radio Codes of Practice because as it did not have required policies and procedures in place. An investigation began after a complaint was submitted during 4CCR’s licence renewal process. The station’s licence has been renewed, but it will have to improve its official processes after the breach finding.

The codes require community broadcasters to have management and operational policies and procedures in place and to make them freely available. The ACMA found that at the time of the complaint the licensee failed to meet these obligations.

The investigation found that 4CCR did not have policies and procedures regarding corporate governance, membership, conflict resolution, complaints handling, encouraging participation, and volunteering.

In response to the finding, the station will review the documentation required under the codes and “formulate a timetable for the development and implementation of the required policies and procedures.”

In renewing 4CCR’s licence, the ACMA “accepted a number of measures designed to strengthen the licensee’s management capacity.” The ACMA believes that 4CCR’s response to the investigation and the renewal of its licence demonstrates its genuine commitment to meeting its obligations. ACMA will continue to monitor performance.