Have your say on regional telecommunications

The Independent Committee undertaking the Regional Telecommunications Review, chaired by Dr Bill Glasson, is continuing consultation on telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia.

The Independent Committee has met with several telecommunications service providers, receiving briefings on current operations, future plans and regional issues from the industry’s perspective.

“A key focus for this Committee will be to consult with as many interested stakeholders as possible. It is essential that the Committee is fully informed of the state of telecommunications in rural areas,” Dr Glasson said.

“We have met with several telecommunications service providers in recent days, and we hope to meet with many more. This represents the first step in a broad consultation program the Committee will be undertaking over the coming months.

“Our consultation with these providers has already highlighted a number of matters of interest to the Committee, matters we will be looking to further explore through consultation with different interest groups and people across regional, rural and remote Australia.”

The Committee invites individuals, businesses, community and industry organisations, education, health and government service providers, carriers and others to respond to the released discussion paper and submit their views by Wednesday, 31 October 2007.

The Independent Committee undertaking the Regional Telecommunications Review comprises Dr Bill Glasson (Chair), Ms Alexandra Gartmann, Mr Mark Needham, Councillor Bruce Scott and Ms Josephine Stone.

Further information about the Review and copies of the discussion paper are available from the website at www.rtirc.gov.au or by phone 1800 064 851 (free call).

Authorised by Dr William J Glasson, C/- Terrace Eye Centre, 135 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000.