To bridge the gap in the indigenous digital divide, communications minister Michelle Rowland called on the telecom industry to begin undertaking the necessary efforts.

Rowland said that: “The government has been very clear that indigenous Australia matters... the Uluru Statement from the Heart matters... Closing the Gap matters. The Uluru Statement is a constructive, generous and patient call for genuine collaboration.”

She also said that “We must respond to that offer with a similar level of constructive and respectful generosity.”

“We have inherited a massive challenge in terms of closing the digital inclusion gap. I will be seeking all of your energy and engagement in delivering serious structured programs which make a real difference. I will also ensure that indigenous voices are heard loudly and clearly in the communications sector and policy space,” Rowland further added.

“I want Australia to be a high wage, high productivity country, brimming with creativity, and underpinned by a healthy democracy. The people in this room hold many of the keys to unlocking this future. The Prime Minister has been very clear that this is, and will be, a government that listens, and a government that genuinely collaborates. I want to give you my personal assurance that I am committed to these principles. I hope that you will find me and my ofβice to be as open and engaged and consultative as possible.” 

“That is absolutely our intention. I want you to think about how you can manage the balance – on the one hand, competing enthusiastically each and every day as this brings huge benefits to our economy and society, but also collaborating in the best way wherever possible, as this brings exponential beneβits to bear. This is a government which will do its utmost to ensure that no-one is left behind and no-one is held back and the communications industry has one of the most important roles to play.”

She also highlighted that “Mr Fletcher, to his credit, established the e-Safety commissioner when many was saying the internet could not be tamed. And between his time as Parliamentary Secretary after the 2013 election, and again as minister after the 2019 election, Mr Fletcher established a new co-investment model and did a significant amount of work to tackle regional mobile black spots through various programs. These initiatives have had enduring impact, and have benefited many Australians. That deserves acknowledgment.”

Meanwhile, during the same annual Communications Alliance dinner where Rowland's speech was heard, outgoing Telstra CEO Andy Penn won as the ACOMMS industry ambassador for 2022. 

“Andy’s contribution to our industry has been enormous and his executive team has provided invaluable endeavour and guidance to advance the industry’s interests more generally – including deep engagement in the activities of Communications Alliance at the board level and operational level,” said Communications Alliance CEO John Stanton.