Last chance to have your say on 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review

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.
 
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, on Tuesday 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 3,000 survey responses.
 
They follow 19 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 3,900 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 Australian 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.

To register go to: https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation#upcoming
 
The Committee is due to deliver its report to Government by 31 December 2024.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“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.”