Australia - Regional Government Policies

Synopsis

This report has been archived and has not been updated. Australia’s regional and rural communities continue to adopt a highly political stance in regards to telecommunications issues and in fact have been viewed as being a key hindrance to the privatisation of Telstra. This report analyses some of the numerous issues involved, and many of the initiatives that have been launched, completed and continuing in the bid to connect Australia’s regional and rural communities. The focus is on the government’s role, with private sector activities profiled elsewhere. As a result of the further privatisation of Telstra regional infrastructure funds, Regional Fund and Connect Australia, have been put in place valued at $3 billion.