Committee to examine communications in island territories

The federal parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has opened an inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

“The remoteness of Australia’s external territories makes providing communications infrastructure, technology and services particularly challenging, while at the same time even more important to the daily lives of residents,” said Committee Chair Dr Anne Webster MP.

“In addition, ensuring communications infrastructure is fit for purpose is important for the ongoing social and economic development of Australia’s external territories.”

Dr Webster added, “The Committee will examine the current communications situation in each of the territories, activity underway to enhance connectivity and services, and the options and opportunities for improving availability of and access to communications infrastructure.

“We look forward to hearing from all interested people and organisations, including residents and businesses in the external territories.”

The committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 27 January 2021. Public hearings are expected to be held during 2021.

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