Review to focus on regional telecommunications

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the commencement of the 2015 Regional Telecommunications Review, announced today by the Minister for Communications, the Hon. Malcom Turnbull MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Paul Fletcher MP. NFF President Brent Finlay said the review is an important opportunity for rural and regional communities to have their say on digital infrastructure needs. “We are pleased to see AgForce Qld Vice President, Georgie Somerset, appointed to sit on the Independent Review Committee,” Mr Finlay said. “Georgie is a strong advocate for agriculture, and will ensure the views of the Australian farm sector are heard at the decision-making table. “Technology has the ability to deliver a step change in productivity for the farm sector. To take advantage of this, we need more farms connected to high quality telecommunications services.” The Regional Telecommunications Review will include opportunities for farmers and rural communities to provide feedback directly to the Government over coming months. “We encourage farmers across the country to engage in the review to ensure government understands their concerns and the opportunities for farm businesses,” Mr Finlay concluded. Further information is available on the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee website at www.rtirc.gov.au.