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, the NFF said.
Alongside chair Alannah MacTiernan, other panel members include Kristy Sparrow, Fiona Nash, Dr Jessa Rogers and Ian Kelly.
“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,” NFF Telecommunications and Social Policy Committee chair Peter Thompson said.
Mr Thompson said 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.
RIC reaches 3000 farm loan customers
The Federal Government’s low-interest farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) has reached a new milestone, settling 3000 farm loans worth more than $3.24 billion since its inception in 2018.
RIC chief executive officer John Howard said reaching 3000 farm loan customers was a significant milestone and is pleased RIC has supported so many Australian farmers during succession, start-up and through tough financial times.
“We’re proud to support Australian farmers with our low-interest loans to build farm businesses like our 3000th customer, Earth Eggs, operated by South Australian egg producers, Trudy and Andrew Pilmore,” Mr Howard said.
“Trudy and Andrew have decades of industry experience and it’s great to see them bring this to owning their very own farm business for the first time with help from their RIC AgriStarter Loan.
“Agriculture is a challenging industry to start out and operate in, but RIC exists to provide some financial relief to family-owned farm businesses across Australia.”
For more information on RIC loans, visit: https://www.ric.gov.au/loans
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