Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Agreement to deliver improved Indigenous communications
The Rudd Government today welcomed a new framework to guide the delivery of communications services to Indigenous communities.
The framework was agreed at the Online and Communications Council (OCC) of Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments in Alice Springs.
“Better communications services will help close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage across Australia,” the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said.
“The OCC has developed a strategic framework for collaboration by all levels of government to improve communications service availability, affordability and use.”
“Indigenous communities, particularly those located in remote and very remote parts of Australia, have much to gain from better communications, including improved access to health, education, safety and business services.”
In March 2009, the Government announced its initial response to the Regional Telecommunications Review led by Dr Bill Glasson, including an additional $3.7 million contribution to a $30 million refocused Indigenous Communications Program to improve essential communications services, basic public internet access facilities and computer training for remote Indigenous communities in partnership with states and territories.
The National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access is now being implemented. The first payment under the agreement has been made to South Australia.
Additionally, the OCC today agreed to collaboratively develop comprehensive and reliable data sets to track the growth of Australia’s digital economy and help maximise the potential of the National Broadband Network.
“All OCC members recognise the fundamental importance of improved communications for all Australians, no matter where they live or work,” Senator Conroy said.
“Jurisdictions represented at the meeting strongly endorsed the concept and implementation of the National Broadband Network to benefit all Australians.”
“I welcome this continued collaborative and constructive approach to ensuring we meet our goals for the digital economy, and am delighted that OCC Members will be actively participating in the upcoming Realising Our Broadband Future forum in Sydney on 10-11 December 2009.”
Further information on the work of the OCC and a Communique from the meeting is available online: www.occ.gov.au
Date: 13 November 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
