Less Than a Month Left To Have Your Say On Regional Telecommunications

Time is running out to have your say on regional telecommunications issues.

Hilltops residents are urged to have their say on telecommunications with submissions closing on July 31.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, has also urged people to have their say via a short survey - and spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues.

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.

Ms MacTiernan said this opportunity came around only once every three years and the strength of each Committee’s recommendations back to government, and the actions they took, were underpinned by the views of people living in 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 connectivity supports public safety, day-to-day business, social inclusion and access to essential health and education services,” Ms MacTiernan said.

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

The input of local communities forms an essential part of the Review, held once every three years, to deliver recommendations to the government.

Previous Reviews have led to policy initiative 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;

Extent to which the needs of First Nations communities are being met. The 2024 Review committee will report to Minister Rowland by December 31, 2024.

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