The Amateur Radio Licence a History and the Class License

A presentation on the history of Amateur Radio Licensing up to the introduction of the Class License

In this recent informative session Peter VK3MV started the presentation with a concise historical overview of amateur radio licensing in Australia, tracing its evolution from 1905 through to the present day.

Peter highlighted the significant shift in regulatory approach brought about by the introduction of the Radiocommunications (Amateur Stations) Class Licence 2023, and discussed the legal instruments underpinning it, including the Class Licence itself, its explanatory statement, and its basis in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Justin VK7TW then clarified how class licensing differs from spectrum and apparatus licensing—each suited to different types of radio services.

The speakers then explored the five core parameters that define amateur operations under the Class Licence:

(1) holding the appropriate qualification,

(2) using a valid callsign,

(3) operating within permitted frequency bands,

(4) adhering to specified power output limits, and

(5) ensuring compliance with Electromagnetic Energy (EME) requirements.

These aspects formed the foundation of the Class Licence conditions, and various misconceptions were addressed and corrected—effectively “busting” some of the urban myths that had emerged within the amateur community.

Towards the end, the discussion turned to administrative arrangements and operating procedures, highlighting areas where improvements could be made, such as callsign management, documentation clarity, and regulatory consistency.

A lively Q&A session followed, with many questions addressed throughout the presentation and a dedicated segment at the conclusion.

Despite a brief audio echo echo echo early on, the session delivered valuable insights into both the regulatory framework and the future direction of amateur radio in Australia.

The youtube video is available at this Link

The audio improves after timestamp 4.30.00

REAST ARC
73, Justin, VK7TW

REAST Video

https://www.youtube.com/live/qt0T4dbMYys

Page Last Updated: Friday, 04 Jul 2025 at 14:31 hours by Peter Clee

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