The National Farmers' Federation welcomes today's announcement from the Minister for Communications appointing the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review panel, and the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan as chair.
The Review, undertaken on a triennial basis, is an important legislated process which helps improve connectivity outcomes for people rural, regional and remote Australian communities.
Alongside Chair MacTiernan, other panel members include Kristy Sparrow, the Hon. Fiona Nash, Dr Jessa Rogers and Ian Kelly.
NFF Telecommunications and Social Policy Committee Chair, Peter Thompson, welcomed the announcement.
"The NFF congratulates the panel members and the chair on their appointments and is pleased to see a number of faces familiar to the NFF," Mr Thompson said.
"We are confident the panel has the expertise to deep dive into regional connectivity issues, including the important role - and challenges - of connectivity for Australian agriculture.
Mr Thompson said the NFF looks forward to working with the panel in what will be a busy year for regional communications policy.
"2024 will be a busy year for regional telecommunications, with the Regional Telecommunications Review being undertaken, alongside work to reform the Universal Service Obligation and other key telecommunication issues.
"The NFF and its members are very much looking forward to engaging with these processes to deliver improved outcomes for not only our producer members, but regional communities more broadly."
