ACMA Amateur radio update – January 2021 - Calligns

[VK4ADC]

From the ACMA newsletter email titled :  Amateur radio update – January 2021

State/territory identifiers for call signs
As part of the July 2020 changes, we clarified operational policy so that amateurs can, if they wish, keep their call sign if they gain additional qualifications and/or move interstate.

Our policy is that, when an amateur obtains a call sign for the first time, it will indicate their state/territory of residence, as per the call sign template. However, this practice, and state/territory identifiers in general, are not regulatory requirements.

Our policy represents a long-standing practice, which is consistent with our ITU obligations, and allows amateurs wanting to participate in things like amateur radio hobby competitions (that require state/territory identifiers) to do so.

If amateurs want to enter competitions that require competitors to have call signs indicating their geographical location, they can obtain a new call sign (if required) that has their new state or territory of residence to comply with competition rules.

It is not appropriate for the ACMA to require amateurs who don’t wish to participate in these hobby activities to obtain a new call sign if they do not wish to. This is why we do not require amateur licensees moving interstate to obtain a new call sign.
 
We recognise that state and territory identifiers are part of the amateur hobby, but they do not serve a regulatory function. It is not appropriate for the ACMA to use regulation to facilitate hobby outcomes that can be achieved by amateurs voluntarily.

What to do if you move interstate or change address

If you operate an amateur station from an address not specified on your licence, you cannot operate for a continuous period longer than 4 months (or 7 days for beacons and repeaters).
If you change your state/territory of residence, or wish to operate continuously for 4 months in another location, you should contact the ACMA to change the address on your licence.

Call signs for special events
The VI call sign is currently issued for special events of state, territory or local significance, and can only be requested by clubs, organisations or amateur groups.
A VK call sign is required for a special event of national significance.
We acknowledge that the distinction between VI and VK call signs can be confusing, especially if a special event has both local and national significance. We have therefore advised the AMC that the VI call sign may be also be issued for a special event that has national significance. Requests will continue to be limited to clubs, organisations or amateur groups.
In short:
VI: local and/or national special events.
VK: national special events only.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

The original ACMA bulletin email can be viewed here and has some other topics presented.
PDF here : 
  The ACMA 18Jan2021.pdf (Size: 131.16 KB / Downloads: 463) (in case it disappears in the future..)

[VK2CSW]

I wonder where that leaves the AX callsign on days like Australia Day?

[VK4ADC]

The use of the AX prefix is stated in the amateur LCD :

"
8 Operation of an amateur station
Call signs
(1A) For the purposes of this section, the licensee of an amateur station (other than an amateur beacon station or amateur repeater station) may, on the following days, substitute the prefix letters VK in the call sign of the station with the prefix letters AX:
( a ) 26 January;
( b ) 25 April;
( c ) 17 May.
Example If the call sign specified in the licensee’s licence is VK1ZZZ, the licensee may use the call sign AX1ZZZ on the days mentioned in paragraphs ( a ) to ( c ) above.

Note 26 January is Australia Day, 25 April is Anzac Day and 17 May is World Telecommunication Day.

"