Media
Applications for 2026 are currently open, and can be completed through the Motorsport Australia Member Portal. Please contact communications@motorsport.org.au if you have any urgent queries.
Event specific accreditation is at the discretion of the event organiser or category promoter, and Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation does not guarantee access to events. You must still apply for relevant event accreditation/access. If you wish to apply for Supercars media accreditation, please contact Supercars directly.
All accreditations are processed at the end of each month unless you select the Urgent Fee upon application, whereby it will be processed within a week.
If you are intending to fly a drone at a Motorsport Australia event, you do not need to apply for Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation – nor are you covered for the drone activity if you are an active Motorsport Media Accreditation holder.
Instead, you will require the consent of the Event Organiser to operate the drone at the Event.
You will need to provide proof of your CASA ARN, and a Certificate of Currency of your Public Liability Insurance policy that covers your drone work.
More information about Drones, including our Drone (RPA) Policy, is available at the Drones tab above.
- Personal Accident Cover through Motorsport Australia at Motorsport Australia sanctioned events. Without this, you’re not covered.
- Media Accreditation signals your portfolio’s quality and adherence to the Media Accreditation Policy, endorsed by Motorsport Australia and recognised by event organisers.
- Non-accredited individuals may have restricted or limited access at events.
Note
Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation does not guarantee entry to events like Supercars, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, or Shannons SpeedSeries. It’s advised to contact event organisers or media personnel in advance.
From the 2026 season, Motorsport Australia implemented changes to the Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation process that saw the removal of the three-tiered Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels.
The levels have been unified and renamed to become one Media Cover product, to better reflect the sole level of Personal Accident Cover which underpins Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation.
Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation’s Media Cover continues to offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective insurance offering for media professionals at Motorsport Australia events when compared to general insurance offerings.
There will be no changes to the level of insurance coverage provided, or to the standards that media personnel are required to uphold while participating as a working member of the media at a Motorsport Australia event.
Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation will no longer be extended to journalists.
Journalists do not require Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation as they otherwise should not be in a restricted zone, and should instead apply through an event’s individual media accreditation process.
There are no changes to the level of insurance coverage provided, and to the requirements that media personnel are required to uphold while participating as a working member of the media at a Motorsport Australia event.
The three levels were a legacy where certain events mandated Gold or Silver accreditation and this type of differentiation is no longer required.
It is ultimately the discretion of the Event to permit access or grant approval for an event’s own media accreditation process.
Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation’s Media Cover, continues to offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective insurance offering for media professionals at Motorsport Australia events when compared to general insurance offerings.
It is important to note that Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation is only applicable at Motorsport Australia-permitted events, and is not reciprocal amongst other motorsport bodies such as Karting Australia events.
Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation’s Media Cover provides financial assistance for individuals for certain costs associated with an injury sustained during a Motorsport Australia event. Media Cover does not apply to damage sustained to tangible items such as camera equipment, rental vehicles, or other related items to conduct your work. More information on Motorsport Australia’s insurance offering can be found here.
RPAs (drones) can be used at Motorsport Australia events if operated within the guidelines of the Motorsport Australia Policy. The Policy includes important application details and safety rules to follow at each event.
In short that is:
- The UAV operator or controller is certified by CASA
- Carries their own public liability insurance
- Their operating name appears on the event permit
You will need to seek clearance from the Event Organiser first, and from there they will send to Motorsport Australia the above documents to ensure you are listed on the Event Permit. There is no fee to process this request.
Why did Motorsport Australia change this for 2026?
Motorsport Australia regularly reviews its policies and procedures across the sport to ensure they are timely, current, accurate, and relevant to the current market conditions.
The accreditation process was initially designed to accommodate photographers, and will now have improved criteria specifically for videographers.
It will also include more formal training modules to foster safe behaviour and habits amongst the existing media community, given the popularity of the sport and the influx of media professionals conducting business at Motorsport Australia events.
It also will give greater clarity to photographers and videographers about what level of protection they are provided at a Motorsport Australia event.
Can I use Media Accreditation from another motorsport body? (ie. Karting Australia)
No. Media Accreditation from other bodies is not reciprocal.
Other motorsport bodies such as Karting Australia hold their own insurance policy independent of Motorsport Australia.
Is Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation compulsory?
No. It is up to individual events to outline the requirements for media access.
Some events will mandate Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation as a requirement, and some will allow a third-party insurance policy linked to an individual’s business – for example, media agencies, broadcasters, film studios, etc.
In particular, journalists who do not need to access restricted areas such as photographer zones, do not require Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation. You just need to apply for an event’s own accreditation as media.
If you are attending an event as accredited media, you should not sign-on to events in any other capacity such as an Official.
I don’t get paid to take photos, why do I have to pay this?
Regardless of whether you are getting paid or not to capture images at an event, in securing media accreditation, you are considered a working member of the media.
The role and responsibilities of media personnel is unique and you must never sign-on at an event as an Official if your role is being a photographer or videographer, especially if you do not hold Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation or hold your own insurance policy.
I'm an Official, can I get free Media Accreditation?
Unfortunately, no.
Regardless of whether you are getting paid or not to capture images at an event, in securing media accreditation, you are considered a working member of the media.
The role and responsibilities of media personnel is unique and you must never sign-on at an event as an Official if your role is being a photographer or videographer, especially if you do not hold Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation or hold your own insurance policy.
Likewise, if you are an Official performing a role – you should not also take on photography duties either on-duty or during your break.
However, your experience and knowledge of motorsport, and the potential hazards associated with it, may be valuable should you wish to formally apply for Media Accreditation. You will just need to determine whether you will be attending an event as either an Official or Media.
What if I take photos of an event without insurance?
Taking photos is not prohibited, but with accreditation brings different access, rights and expectations. If you present yourself to an event without valid Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation, or your own insurance policy, then it is unlikely you will granted photographer or videographer access.
Should you continue to work as a photographer or videographer without insurance coverage, and you are subsequently injured at the motorsport event, you are not entitled to any insurance benefits or protections that you would have otherwise been afforded under Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation Media Cover.
Who needs Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation?
Photographers or videographers, who will require access to restricted areas at a motorsport event that is typically reserved for accredited media personnel.
Journalists do not require Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation as they otherwise should not be in a restricted zone and should instead apply through an event’s individual media accreditation process.
I have been Gold or Silver for many years, will I get compensated?
Nothing changes and you can renew as per usual process.
All accredited media will now benefit from Motorsport Australia’s Media Accreditation for the same price of $250 including GST.
Why has the price increased for 2026?
This represents a modest increase on 2025 Bronze level pricing and creates one simple policy for all accredited media.
Motorsport Australia examined various pricing models to ensure the Media Accreditation scheme can continue to be viable, and fair to professional media personnel.
What am I covered for at events?
Personal Accident Cover under Motorsport Australia Media Cover provides financial assistance for individuals for certain costs associated with an injury sustained during a Motorsport Australia event. Media Cover does not apply to damage sustained to tangible items such as camera equipment or rental vehicles. More information on Motorsport Australia’s insurance offering can be found here.
Is there anything I have to do differently when applying?
No, you will see there is only one option when applying for or renewing your accreditation for the new year. The only distinction will be whether you are a photographer, videographer, or both.
Note that Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation – Journalist holders, will no longer be offered.
Does Motorsport Australia Accredited Media give me automatic access to all events?
No.
Regardless of whether you hold Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation or not, you must still apply for attendance through an event or championship’s own accreditation system. While the Motorsport Australia Media Cover gives you protection if you were injured at that event, the event’s own media accreditation grants you entry to the venue.
Can I fly a drone?
Only if you have formally notified the Event, and they have confirmed your approval to fly.
To be eligible, you must hold relevant CASA certification, your own Public Liability Insurance covering your drone work, and consent from the Event Organiser.
You will need send the Event Organiser all of the relevant documentation, and they will notify Motorsport Australia. From there, your name will be noted on the Event Permit as an approved operator.
Importantly, Motorsport Australia Media Accreditation does not grant you access to conduct drone activity as it is a separate application process.
More information can be found in the Drone section on this page.
Log in to the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.
To renew, click the ‘Renew’ button in the Licences and Accreditations section. No gallery/portfolio link is required for renewals.
Download the Motorsport Australia app and log in with your member portal details. Your card will appear, along with your hi-vis vest (for photographers).
All accreditations are processed at the end of each month unless you select the Urgent Fee upon application, whereby it will be processed within a week.
Photographers and videographers must read the Policy before applying or renewing accreditation. It outlines key application details and safety rules to follow at events.
Accredited Media must wear a Motorsport Australia Accredited Media vest at all times during events, unless the event supplies and mandates use of their own vests.
Motorsport Australia and the Australian Officials Commission have developed the Social Media Policy and guidelines to ensure responsible and positive use of social media. These guidelines are useful for officials and event organisers to share before or during events.
Motorsport Australia has implemented mandatory Working With Children Checks (WWCC) or Working With Vulnerable People Checks (WWVP) for all officials and accredited media across all states and territories, except Western Australia (WA) where the current legislation prohibits Motorsport Australia from requesting one.