Improving State Telecommunications
Under the Australian Constitution, the Commonwealth Government has responsibility for the regulation and development of communications infrastructure. Because communications are of such fundamental importance to the State, the State Government, through the Department of Industry and Resources will continue to actively ensure that the needs of Western Australians are met.
State Communications Policy
Western Australia – A Connected Community: State Communications Policy provides a coherent approach by the State Government to addressing the communications needs of Western Australians.
Communications services are critical to the economic and social development of Western Australia (WA). WA, its residents and the business community, must have access to effective and affordable advanced communications services and infrastructure. Communications – telecommunications and broadcasting – are essential services.
The policy was developed by the Department of Industry and Resources with input from many other State Government agencies, community and industry associations.
Our Role
The Department of Industry and Resources is focusing on using the following levers available to State Government, to address communications issues:
- Ensuring that we receive the best possible advantage from Commonwealth resources available for telecommunications enhancement
- Encouraging competition
- Using Government’s purchasing power, planning powers and assets
- Providing targeted funding for strategic outcomes
In particular, the department’s responsibilities include:
- Developing, analysing and advising on policy and projects relating to telecommunications and broadcasting
- Working with other jurisdictions, across government and with industry and the community to develop coordinated and strategic approaches to addressing communications issues
- Championing industry issues that have strategic implications for Western Australia
- Advocating strongly for the communications needs of all Western Australians with the Commonwealth and in other appropriate forums
- Facilitating and coordinating the implementation of major strategic telecommunications projects across the State
Note. Internal government telecommunications is the responsibility of the Office of e-Government.
Telecommunications Projects
Details on telecommunications projects currently being undertaken by the Department of Industry and Resources will be posted here shortly.
StateWide Broadband Network Strategy
Broadband is critical infrastructure in today’s business and social environment, enabling high-speed local, national and global interaction and communications.
Governments everywhere are recognising the importance of broadband to the economy and to the lives of individuals. In November 2006, the Western Australian Government released its StateWide Broadband Network strategy to improve the coverage and availability of broadband throughout the State.
The Commonwealth Government subsequently launched its National Broadband Network with the objective of making a minimum of 12 Mbps speeds available to 98% of Australian premises, and a request for supply of this is currently open to the market.
The WA Government is working to facilitate the best outcomes for this State from the Federal and State initiatives.
Telecommunications Needs Assessment
The Western Australian Government produced its second Telecommunications Needs Assessment in 2002/2003. It is a successor to a report produced in 1997 (the Boshe Report). It focuses on telephone, Internet and data services as well as broadcasting. The study assessed the level of communications services available to people in regional areas, and their needs for basic and advanced services. It focused on the nine regional development areas with a control group in the Perth metropolitan area. The audit provided valuable data for the creation and funding of projects such as IT Skilling for Outback WA, the Kimberley Broadband Solutions (for remote Indigenous communities) and the State Communications Policy.
To download a full version of the assessment (Zip file), please click on the 'Telecommunications Needs Assessment' link within the 'Related Links' section. After downloading, click on the 'autorun.exe' file to launch the CD-ROM.
Councils, Groups and Forums
Following are links to telecommunications-related councils, groups, forums and unions:
- Australian Communications and Media Authority (http://www.acma.gov.au/): Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications
- Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) (http://www.atug.com.au/): ATUG is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation of Australian telecommunications users that works for better choice, value and services in the sector
- International Telecommunication Union (http://www.itu.int/): activities undertaken by the ITU cover all aspects of telecommunications, from setting standards that facilitate seamless interworking of equipment and systems on a global basis to adopting operational procedures for the vast and growing array of wireless services and designing
- Technology and Industry Advisory Council (http://www.tiac.wa.gov.au/): provides independent policy advice to the Minister towards the development of strategies relating to the State's economic development
