Local government councils have submitted 38 of the 197 submissions received by the parliamentary inquiry into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network.

 

The inquiry, undertaken by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications, is examining a range of issues about the use of the NBN, including:

  • the delivery of government services and programs;
  • achieving health outcomes;
  • improving the educational resources and training available for teachers and students;
  • the management of Australia's built and natural resources and environmental sustainability;
  • impacting regional economic growth and employment opportunities;
  • impacting business efficiencies and revenues, particularly for small and medium business, and Australia's export market; interaction with research and development and related innovation investments;
  • facilitating community and social benefits; and the optimal capacity and technological requirements of a network to deliver these outcomes.

 

The Australian Local Government Association’s submission argues that national broadband will enable councils to transform the way they provide services to their communities, resulting in cost efficiencies, increased accessibility and reduced timeframes.

“Where more than one level of government is involved in an application or approvals process, broadband will mean increased efficiency, reduced timeframes and the ability for all parties to track the process.”

 

ALGA highlights the importance of broadband to remote communities and communities where the population is dispersed over a wide geographic area.

 

“It will enable businesses in these communities to increase their competitiveness in national and international markets. In these regions broadband has the potential to build the local economy, increase skills and employment, and provide greater access to services such as health and education. However, it is critically important that broadband is affordable in these regional areas.”

 

However, ALGA said, councils and communities would need assistance to develop skills and gain access to support services.

 

“Many smaller councils will need assistance to re-engineer their back of office systems as a prerequisite for them to be able to deliver effective online services. Financial, technical and training support will be required to assist those councils to utilise the benefits of broadband.”

 

The Standing Committee is currently holding public hearings around Australia, and will report by August this year.

 

Further information is at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ic/NBN/index.htm