Proposed Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Standard 2026
The NFF strongly supports the establishment of a standardised, transparent, and consumer-focused approach to mobile coverage mapping, but makes recommendations to ensure maps are as accurate, reliable, and practically useful as possible. The NFF’s full submission can be found here.
Economics References Committee’s funding and resourcing for the CSIRO
The NFF is deeply concerned about the impact of funding and resourcing pressures on the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO’s) capacity to deliver research and development outcomes for the benefit of Australian agriculture, the environment, and the community at large. CSIRO funding must be urgently increased to prevent staffing cuts and ensure that […]
Triple Zero Service Outage Inquiry
For many farmers and rural communities, poor connectivity means that having no reliable way to reach emergency services or assistance can be an everyday reality. Practical solutions exist that would reduce these risks and strengthen safety for those living and working in rural Australia. The NFF implores this inquiry not only to address the serious risks […]
World-first mobile coverage obligation a step closer
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the introduction of the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) legislation to Federal Parliament, calling it a landmark step toward fixing the communications blackspots that hold farmers and regional Australia back. The NFF says this world-first approach will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across […]
Consultation on Draft Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) Legislation
The NFF strongly supports the establishment of the UOMO as a foundational reform to modernise Australia’s universal service framework. For Australian farmers, mobile connectivity is not a luxury, it is essential for safety, productivity, and access to services. This submission outlines several recommendations to ensure the UOMO delivers meaningful, reliable, and equitable mobile connectivity outcomes […]
Gatton AgTech Showcase a fitting finale for National Roadshow
The NFF Horticulture Council is proud to welcome today industry leaders, innovators and growers to the Gatton AgTech Showcase 2025, the final stop of the inaugural National Horticulture Roadshow. Delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Roadshow has travelled across the country, spotlighting excellence in horticultural thinking, practice and technology. […]
Treasury Consultation Regarding Climate-Related Transition Planning Guidance
Encouraging reporting entities to use estimation tools “as a starting point” to identify and meet Scope 3 obligations implies a normative expectation that estimation is only a temporary measure that may be unacceptable over the long-term which is inconsistent with legislation. The use of estimation methods remains permissible regardless of future data availability. This language […]
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. […]
Farmers call for serious investment in roads, housing and digital infrastructure this election
Potholed roads, inefficient supply chains and growing pressure on regional housing and services remain top concerns for farmers and regional communities heading into the federal election. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke acknowledged that while major parties and some independents had made funding commitments for supply chain infrastructure, too many crumbling regional roads remain ignored. […]
Mobile coverage obligation will deliver one giant leap for rural Australia
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed today’s announcement that the Federal Government has committed to introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). If enshrined by legislation, the world-first proposal means telecommunications companies will be legally bound to guarantee basic, outdoor voice and text mobile coverage across every corner of Australia. NFF President David Jochinke, […]