When television began transmission in Australia in 1956, viewers were required to pay 5 pounds for a licence to watch. Failure to pay could incur a fine of up to 50 pounds. They were eventually abolished in 1974 by the Whitlam government. This license, one of the last to be issued cost $26.50 for one year and allowed the user and members of their family to use radios or televeisons installed in the home or motor vehicle.eltham, ernest thomas orford, reynolds road, combined receiving license, television license, radio license