An independent committee has been appointed to examine and review regional telecommunications services.
NSW Nationals Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton said the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review will examine the state of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia, and will report to the government with its findings and recommendations by December 31.
Former Nationals MP Luke Hartsuyker will chair the committee, which will have 4 other members – Kristy Sparrow, Sue Middleton, Professor Hugh Bradlow, and Michael Cosgrave.
Mr Coulton said the five members were selected because of their extensive experience in telecommunications, agriculture, regional business, competition and consumer regulation, and community affairs.
“I am pleased to have such a high calibre panel looking at these important issues,” Mr Coulton said.
“The members have a broad-ranging knowledge of the telecommunications sector and of regional Australia, they appreciate the needs of regional communities, and they will undertake a thorough examination of regional telecommunication issues that will include an extensive public consultation process.
“As part of this consultation process, the Committee will engage closely with stakeholder groups and regional communities to understand what is happening with telecommunications and the issues they are facing on the ground,” he said.
The Committee has been specifically asked to consider:
- The effectiveness of government policies and programs relating to regional telecommunications;
- The impact of COVID-19 on consumers’ access to and usage of telecommunications services in regional communities;
- Issues relating to service reliability in regional areas;
- The opportunities arising from emerging telecommunications technologies; and
- Changes that could be made to further expand digital connectivity in the bush.
Further information is available at www.rtirc.gov.au
