Regional Tech Hub closes after six years connecting the bush
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has confirmed the Regional Tech Hub will wrap up after Australian Government funding for the program ended on 30 June and efforts to secure an alternative funding source were not successful. Since launching in December 2020, the Regional Tech Hub has provided free, independent and practical phone and internet advice to people across […]
NFF welcomes telecomms inquiry, but urges immediate action
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) inquiry into domestic mobile roaming, but says the Government should mandate roaming now and let the ACCC focus on how to implement this important policy. Domestic mobile roaming would enable phones to automatically switch to another mobile network where their own […]
Triple Zero Legislative and Regulatory Review
The NFF strongly supports robust regulation to protect the integrity and accessibility of Australia’s Triple Zero system. Accessing Triple Zero is crucial for the wellbeing of farmers and regional communities who face existing connectivity challenges. Triple Zero regulation should support equitable, reliable access to Triple Zero, backed by clear performance standards, and should have enough […]
NFF welcomes investment in national traceability coordination
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Government’s investment in strengthening Australia’s agricultural traceability systems through a new industry-led national traceability governance mechanism. The Australian Government has provided the NFF funding to establish the successor to the Australian Agricultural Traceability Governance Group (AATGG), supporting nationally coordinated implementation of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy. […]
Help needed as regional Aussies navigate new mobile tech
Fast Facts on the Regional Tech Hub (2025) The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has dubbed the Regional Tech Hub an essential service ahead of major changes to telecommunications in the bush. The incoming Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across the country. The policy means […]
Productivity Commission’s Harnessing Data and Digital Technology Inquiry
Australian farmers rely on digital technologies and farm data to drive productivity, manage risk, demonstrate sustainability, and respond to evolving market expectations. The NFF urges the Productivity Commission to consider a combination of regulatory reform and practical support in order to establish a coordinated, farmer-first data access environment in Australia. The NFF’s full submission can […]
Universal mobile obligation must deliver for rural Australia
The Federal Government has released draft legislation for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), alongside its long-awaited response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review. National Farmers’ Federation Telecommunications Committee Chair Peter Thompson said connectivity is essential to the productivity, sustainability and liveability of Australia’s farms and rural communities. “Australian agriculture is constantly chasing productivity gains. […]
Food supply chain workforce report a fizzer on much needed data
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has received the final report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) into the future of our food supply chain workforce. NFF President David Jochinke said the report had failed to provide the workforce data needed to underpin policy and business decisions – which was the problem the Government had […]
Farmers urged to seek help on 3G shutdown impacts
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has urged farmers experiencing mobile connectivity issues in the wake of the 3G network shutdown to reach out to providers for help. The 3G network was progressively turned off across Australia from October 28. NFF Telecommunications Committee Chair Peter Thompson urged farmers to be vocal about issues they’ve encountered since […]
Woolworths admits to shortcomings in providing suppliers accurate forecasts
In testimony provided today at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, current and former senior managers at Woolworths have admitted to shortcomings in the accuracy of forecasted volumes it has provided to fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers. Current Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell agreed with ACCC senior counsel that data collected at the […]