The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today extended the time for making submissions to its two current inquires to 31 March 2021.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 4 February 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today extended the time for making submissions to its two current inquires to 31 March 2021. The inquiry into economic, social and environmental sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories is examining topics including education, research, citizen science, biodiversity, job creation, costs of living and socially responsible development. The inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is considering the current communications situation in each of the territories, activity underway to enhance connectivity and services, and the options and opportunities for improving availability of and access to communications infrastructure. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The Committee wants to ensure all interested people and organisations, including residents, businesses and community groups have an opportunity to put forward their views.” The Committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 31 March 2021. The terms of reference for each inquiry and further information on how to prepare and lodge a submission can be found on the inquiry websites (linked above). Public hearings are being planned and will be announced in due course. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP (03) 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website https://www.aph.gov.au/ncet. On the site, you can track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has opened an inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 November 2020

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has opened an inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The remoteness of Australia’s external territories makes providing communications infrastructure, technology and services particularly challenging, while at the same time even more important to the daily lives of residents.” “In addition, ensuring communications infrastructure is fit for purpose is important for the ongoing social and economic development of Australia’s external territories.” Dr Webster explained that “The Committee will examine the current communications situation in each of the territories, activity underway to enhance connectivity and services, and the options and opportunities for improving availability of and access to communications infrastructure.” “We look forward to hearing from all interested people and organisations, including residents and businesses in the external territories.” The Committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 27 January 2021. Further information on how to prepare and lodge a submission can be found on the inquiry website. Public hearings are expected to be held during 2021. Media enquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP 03 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au