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The 2021 Regional Telecommunication Independent Review Committee has delivered its final report and recommendations that will help lay down the foundations for Australia’s telecommunications landscape.
The Committee’s Chair Luke Hartsuyker said that the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review provided the government information on the adequacy of telecommunications in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“Reliable telecommunications are essential for everyday life in regional, rural and remote Australia and have assumed a role much more on par with electricity,” he said.
“This was evident when the communications system goes down, as in recent bush fires, floods, and cyclones. In the same way that we need to keep the lights going, we also need to keep data flowing.”
According to Mr Hartsuyker, their recommendations will help establish a more accessible, competitive, and reliable regional telecommunications landscape that will be able to leverage the opportunities of Australia’s digital economy.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie said that the government will be considering the report’s findings and recommendations in developing its new regional telecommunications agenda.
“The Committee’s report reinforces much of what we have learnt during COVID-19: our telecommunications networks are essential and are continuing to become more important. There are opportunities for government, communities, and industry to work together so that regional areas have access to connectivity which keeps pace with their needs,” she said.
“I intend to deliver a strong response to the report. This is consistent with our Government’s approach to previous Regional Telecommunications Reviews, which have delivered impactful initiatives like the Regional Connectivity Program, the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Universal Service Guarantee.”
The findings and recommendations of the report were developed through an extensive consultation process with regional, rural and remote communities.
The Committee received a record-breaking 658 written submissions and strong feedback from 24 online consultation sessions attended by almost 500 people.
“The record public engagement with the Review is a reflection of the critical importance of communications for regional, rural and remote communities and businesses. Public feedback has given the Committee evidence surrounding the use of regional telecommunications and will help set out a pathway forward for government and industry,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
With the demand for telecommunications increasing, the policies and programs which support the delivery of regional telecommunication services now require a step change.
Digital connectivity in Regional Australia will play a vital part in meeting Australia’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy by 2030,
Minister McKenzie expressed her thanks to the Committee for their work in undertaking the Review and the public for its response.
The Report will remain under embargo while the Australian Government considers its response. The report and response are expected to be released in early 2022.
Source: Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Media Release
Eliza Sayon is an experienced writer who specialises in corporate and government communications. She is the content producer for Public Spectrum, an online knowledge-based platform for and about the Australian public sector.
