151/04
8 November 2004

Minister Goes Bush to Listen to Consumers' Concerns

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, will start a comprehensive series of rural and regional visits with stops in Dubbo, Warren and Moree this week to invite local residents to voice any concerns about telecommunications services in the bush.

"The Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians, regardless of where they live, have access to high quality, affordable telecommunications services," Senator Coonan said.

"We have already invested more than $1 billion into ensuring services, such as broadband technology and mobile phone coverage, are upgraded and improved - particularly for people living in rural, regional and remote Australia."

During the visits the Minister will continue the rollout of recommendations made by the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry conducted by Dick Estens, which include improved mobile phone services and broadband for rural, regional and remote areas.

The Minister will also host Communications Forums and invite local residents to hear from Government representatives and experts from Telstra and Optus who can listen to individual concerns and offer assistance or solutions.

"Following on from visits I made during the election campaign I think it is important to continue to talk with people living in rural, regional and remote areas to help separate the reality from the rhetoric," Senator Coonan said.

"We now have the time and opportunity to get this right. On top of the $181 million response to the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry it is important the Government continues to be engaged with telecommunications consumers to make sure that services are adequate for those living in rural and regional areas.

"In the short time I have been Communications Minister I have visited many communities and announced initiatives that will make a real difference to the level of service in those areas.

"This roll-out of services will continue across Australia over the coming months and into next year."

The Minister will host Communications Forums in Warren on Tuesday and Moree on Wednesday.

The Moree forum will coincide with a regional broadband briefing by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts to outline to residents and businesses in the area how they can access Government support and programmes relating to the provision of broadband.

Media Contact:  Jane McMillan  0438 690 305
www.minister.dcita.gov.au