SPOTLIGHT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

I have invited a Regional Telecommunications Review Committee to visit the electorate to get firsthand knowledge about the telecommunications issues facing the region.

Our region has a growing population, and the influx of holidaymakers places added pressure on telecommunications services.

I hear how frustrated local businesses and residents are with their mobile and data services not being up to scratch.

Clearly, the telecommunications infrastructure in our region is not keeping pace. We are so heavily reliant on mobile and data services due to the rural nature of our towns.

The issue is felt right across the electorate, which spans 16,000 square kilometres.

It feels like we are going backwards, and it is simply not good enough. I am taking this message to the telcos and I will be taking it to the review.

I have written to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee Chair Alannah MacTiernan inviting the committee to visit the area and talk to businesses and communities impacted by the infrastructure gaps.

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review is examining the adequacy of telecommunications in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia.

I encourage businesses and residents to provide feedback about their views and experiences using telecommunications services.

Public consultation will begin in April. The Committee will present its findings to the government by the end of 2024.