An online consultation will be held on Tuesday 1 October 2024 by the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee as its final step in receiving feedback from the public on connectivity issues impacting them – and ahead of recommendations being delivered to the Australian Government.
The Regional Telecommunications Review – held once every three years – plays a key role in reducing the digital divide between cities and regional Australia, with feedback from the public in previous Reviews leading to policy initiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The Committee – chaired by the Hon Alannah MacTiernan – will take the feedback from the online consultation and the feedback it has received to date to deliver its recommendations by the end of the year, to which the Government must respond.
“We know connectivity is a major problem for many people and we would encourage communities to work together to make these online consultations as accessible as possible, whether that be visiting a friends place, a local library, or somewhere else that has a reliable connection.” sadi Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan.
The online consultation ties off the feedback stage and you can take part through a session on Tuesday, 1 October: 9:30am – 11:00am AEST for Eastern and Central Australia.
The views of regional, rural, and remote Australians experiencing connectivity issues have been heard loud and clear thus far with a record-breaking number of submissions delivered through the national survey and public submissions, as well as face-to-face consultations across each state.
Reducing the digital divide will ensure communities in rural, regional, and remote Australia reach their potential – including First Nations communities – such as improving access to online services, education opportunities, supporting local businesses, and being better able to connect with friends and loved ones.
The Committee’s report plays a key role in ensuring this potential is reached.
The Committee members joining Ms MacTiernan are Mr Ian Kelly, Ms Kristy Sparrow, the Hon Fiona Nash and Dr Jessa Rogers.
The 2024 Review is guided by the Terms of Reference set by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, on 25 January 2024.
The 2024 Review engagement has broken records, receiving more than 3300 submissions from the public – an increase of more than 400 per cent compared to 2021. The easily accessible online survey option – utilised for the first time in a Review – drove most of the submissions received, with a total of 3098 responses.
For more information on the Review or to get along to an online consultation, visit: https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation
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