Fact sheet 8: Information Communications Technology (ICT)
Estimated communications spending is up by $83m from $622m in 2005 - 06 to $705 in 2006 - 07. Forward estimates fall to $638m in 2007 - 08, $613 in 2008 - 09 and $331m in 2009 - 10.
The increased expense in communication spending between 2005-06 and 2006-07 is due to the telecommunications programmes Connect Australia and Metro Broadband Blackspots, which commenced in 2005-06.
The overall decline from 2006-07 to 2009-10 reflects the conclusion of telecommunications and information technology initiatives, including the Telstra Social Bonus 2, the response to the Telecommunications Service (Besley) Inquiry, and the Building on IT Strengths, Metro Broadband Blackspots and the Connect Australia programmes.
Details of Connect Australia include:
- Backing Indigenous Ability - $23 million in 2006 - 07 through to 2008 - 09
- Broadband Connect - $236.3 million in 2006 - 07. Noting that the program concluded 2008 - 09
- Clever Networks - $ 29 million in 2006 - 07 rising to $36 million in 2007 - 08 and $38 million in 2008 - 09
- Consumer information campaign - $4 million in 2006 - 07
- Mobile Connect $9 million in 2006 - 07 and 2007 - 08
The Government will provide $17 million over four years for the creation of the Do Not Call Register to protect consumers from nuisance telemarketing phone calls. The total cost of the register will be $33 million over 4 years and industry will be required to contribute $15.9 million over the same period. The Register will apply to all telemarketers operating in Australia , as well as those overseas telemarketers who represent Australian companies. It will also include a range of enforcement options for breaches of the Register, including warnings, fines, formal directions and financial penalties.
The ABC's base funding will increase to $530.8 million in 2006-07, $543.5 million in 2007-08 and $555.0 million in 2008-09. The ABC will receive $38.3 million (plus depreciation funding of $6.8 million) to help improve its capital asset base by purchasing new equipment to replace old or outdated equipment, particularly in its studios outside Sydney and Melbourne.
A further $30 million over three years will be provided for new Australian television content production. This funding will enable the ABC to establish an independent commissioning arm to invest in high quality drama and documentaries from the Australian independent production sector. This funding will assist in addressing the reduction in Australian content on ABC TV over recent years and will also provide a significant boost to the local production sector.
Funding for the ABC's successful Regional and Local Programming initiative will also be increased by $13.2 million over the next three years. The Regional and Local Programming initiative has resulted in more ABC regional radio stations, radio and television programme production in regional areas and expanded online content.
For information about ALGA's analysis of the Budget regarding ICT please contact:
- John Pritchard
- Executive Director, Policy and Research
Australian Local Government Association - Phone: 02 6122 9414
- john.pritchard@alga.asn.au