During the Community Broadcasters conference the Head of the ABA, David Flint said the ABA had developed a set of principles for allocating Community licences since their hearing in Darwin where a number of aspirant groups contested the one licence. The “Darwin Principles” urge aspirant groups to serve the widest community interest and to combine where possible to demonstrate that they are serving the greater part of the community interest. The five principles are:

1. The focus is solely on community needs (including future needs) within the licence area.
2. The desirability of a community of interest being interpreted in broader terms.
3. A particular community of interest means one in the licence area.
4. Where an applicant proposes to serve a particular community interest, the applicant should demonstrate that the greater part of that community of interest will be served.
5. Preference will be given to co-operative arrangements