Time’s Running Out To Have Say On Regional Telecommunications Issues

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities are encouraged to have their say on telecommunications issues with submissions closing within the month.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, also urged people to have their say via a short survey - and spread the work about the Review to friends and family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on July 31.

The Committee, established to conduct the Australian Goveornment’s Regional Telecommunications Review is examining the experiences of peoplein regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia and the suitability of their telecommunications services.

Residents, businesses and community organisations can make a submission or complete the survey, with the Terms of Reference outlining key issues for the Committee to examine.

An issues paper has also been released to shape ideas.

The input of local communities will form an essential part of the Review - held once every three years - which will see the Committee deliver its recommendations to the government.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan said this type of opportunity came around once every three years and the strength of each Committee’s recommendations back to government - and the actions they take are underpinned by the views of people living in the regional, rural and remote communities.

“People in regional, rural and remote Australia are relying on telecommunications services more than ever before and reliable high-speed connnetivity.

“I would encourage every regional Australian to tell their friends family, and colleagues aboutt this opportunity and go get their own views in ahead of the closing date ina few short weeks.”

Previous reviews have led to policy initiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage, all a direct result of community feedback.

The Terms of Reference, set by Federal Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, outline the key focus areas in the Review, including the:

• Opportunities for new and emerging technologies to strengthen telecommunications systems in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia;

• Effectiveness of existing government initiatives;

• Modernisation of the universal services arrangements;

• Strengthening telecommunications in natural disasters; and

• Extend to which the needs of First Nations communities are being met.

The 2024 Review Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, who served in federal, state and local government is joined by Committee members Ian Kelly, Kristy Sparrow, the Hon Fiona Nash and Dr Jessa Rogers.

The Committee will report to Minister Rowland by December 31, 2024.

Visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation for more information on the Review, to make a submission or to complete the survey.

• Topics:

• Communications
• Science & Technology