Media Release

Regional telecommunications review report tabled in Parliament

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today tabled in Parliament the report of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.

"The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee has conducted an extensive review of the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia," Senator Conroy said.

"I would like to thank the members of the Committee for their time and contributions."

Led by Dr Bill Glasson AO, the Independent Review Committee undertook a far-reaching public consultation process. Public meetings were held in 20 locations throughout regional, rural and remote Australia, stakeholder meetings were held in every state and territory capital and more than 200 written submissions were received.

The consultation process also included speaking with consumers, community groups, industry and all levels of government on issues relevant to telecommunications in regional areas.

The Committee report, Framework for the Future, makes a number of findings and recommendations in relation to regional telecommunications. The Government will respond by 5 March 2009.

"The Government is currently reviewing the report. This is an important first step and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the Governments potential response."

"However, the Government understands the importance of telecommunications for regional, rural and remote Australians and has made up to $400 million available for developing targeted initiatives responding to specific recommendations identified in the report."

"The Government has also allocated $270.7 million to fund the Australian Broadband Guarantee to 2012 and is considering public submissions on initiatives to provide enhanced broadband to the most remote areas of the country," Senator Conroy said.

Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee members include Dr Bill Glasson AO (Chair), Ms Alexandra Gartmann, Mr Mark Needham, Councillor Bruce Scott and Mrs Josephine Stone AM.

The Committees report is available from the website at www.rtirc.gov.au or by phone 1800 064 851 (free call).

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Date: 15 October 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457