An online consultation will be held on Tuesday 1 October 2024 by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee. This will be the last opportunity for the public to provide feedback before recommendations are delivered to the Federal Government.
The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review has seen a record number of Australians from across the country share their views and experiences on telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
On Tuesday 24 September, Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, met with the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee to hear detailed feedback on stakeholder consultations ahead of the Review’s online sessions next week.
The Review plays a key role in reducing the digital divide between cities and regional Australia, including in First Nations communities, by taking on community feedback and delivering an independent report and recommendations to the government.
Undertaken every three years, the Review is a chance for regional, remote and rural Australians to share their experiences and expectations when using telecommunications services. The Review is also working with the telecommunications industry to address issues raised during consultations.
The online consultations are the last opportunity for people who live and work in remote, rural and regional Australia to contribute to the 2024 Review, which received more than 300 written submissions and 3000 survey responses.
They follow 17 face-to-face consultation sessions undertaken across each state and the Northern Territory at locations from Thursday Island to Geraldton, and from Katherine to Benalla – attended by more than 600 people.
In total, more than 3900 stakeholders have participated in the 2024 Review to date, representing a four-fold increase in participation compared to 2021 and underlining the importance of conducting regular reviews to capture the experience across the nation.
Feedback from the public in previous reviews has informed important Federal Government initiatives to improve regional connectivity such as the Mobile Black Spot Program, the National Audit of Mobile Coverage and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan.
Regional, remote and rural Australians who were unable to attend face to face session are encouraged to attend an online session on 1 October 2024.
Ms Rowland said, “We have seen an enormous level of engagement right across the country for the 2024 review so far – highlighting the importance of this issue to regional Australians.
“I’m particularly pleased by the representation across First Nations communities, and proud that the independent review committee made special focus on travelling to some of Australia’s more remote and isolated communities like Mornington Island and Thursday Island to hear what the locals have to say.
“Every Australian needs reliable and affordable connectivity. It’s no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity to keep our communities safe, businesses running and Australia moving.
“I’m encouraged by the progress the independent review committee is making, and I look forward to receiving the final report later this year.”
Featured image: Alex Cimbal/shutterstock.com.
