The 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit noted the increasingly central role that telecommunications services are playing in how Australians work, do business and live their everyday lives.19 It also described the significant economic opportunities for Australia if it further embraces digital services and innovation and the associated risks.
NBN must stay fit for the needs of the nation: With people using more and more data, it is a priority to build a comprehensive national fast broadband network and continually improve it so it keeps up with the changing needs of society.
It is important to mitigate inherent risks: Newer digital technologies such as 5G and the IoT are considerable economic opportunities that will support business growth in Australia and lead to more innovation. However, more people using newer technology brings inherent risks. Cybercrime, privacy and data protection are growing concerns. Governments need to fully enable these technologies but also protect both people and businesses against these risks with up-to-date public information, legislation and standards.
Digital inequality must be tackled: Despite improvements delivered by Australian Government programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program, national studies such as the 2018 Regional Telecoms Review have reported that some Australian communities, typically in Remote Areas, still have problems with basic access to fixed and mobile services and reliability and repair times.20 The Australian Digital Inclusion Index has also highlighted that, while digital inclusion has improved every year, affordability and the ability to use digital services remain key issues in Australian society across several demographics, such as older Australians, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and low-income families.21