Strategic Directions 2009-11
Our Outcome: what we are here to do
We aim to develop a vibrant, sustainable and internationally competitive broadband and communications sector that promotes the digital economy for the benefit of all Australians.
This outcome will be delivered through:
- efficient and strategic management of public resources
- facilitating the competitive provision of services
- enabling access to reliable and reasonably priced basic and essential services, and
- providing effective protection for the interests of consumers.
Strategic Directions 2009–2011
Strategic Directions 2009–11 is a statement of the Department's strategic and key business priorities over the next three years.
We are committed to being forward looking and our priorities will evolve in line with new directions from the Australian Government and emerging technologies.
Strategic Directions 2009–11, along with a number of other corporate documents, translate our highest level strategic objectives and priorities into specific, measurable activities and approaches we undertake to ensure Australians enjoy competitive broadband, broadcasting and communications services.
For a complete picture of the Department this document should be read in conjunction with our:
- Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) which sets out the contribution of our three main programs to our outcome and our specific performance and service delivery commitments to the Parliament
- Annual Report which sets out progress in achieving our outcome, program objectives and commitments and how we manage the Department and our resources, and
- Service Charter which sets out how we approach our work and the level of service and the behaviours our stakeholders can expect of us.
Our strategic priorities: what we will achieve
National Broadband Network
We will work to implement the Government's commitment that the national broadband network company will invest up to $43 billion to roll-out and operate a National Broadband Network. The Government's objective is, within this funding envelope, to:
- connect 90 per cent of Australian homes, schools and workplaces with optical fibre providing speeds of 100 megabits per second, and
- connect all other Australian premises with next generation wireless and satellite technology offering speeds of 12 megabits or better.
Digital economy
We will work to further develop Australia's infrastructure, confidence, skills and regulatory settings so that all Australians are able to take full advantage of economic, educational and social opportunities offered by the digital economy.
Regulatory reform and convergence
We will progress the reform of the existing regulatory regime to provide certainty and create a market structure that will maximise the benefits of a high speed broadband service. We are committed to reshaping regulation in the telecommunications sector in the interests of Australian consumers, businesses and the economy more broadly.
Spectrum management
We will work with the Australian Communications and Media Authority and industry to maximise the efficient management and utilisation of national radio frequency spectrum assets to maximise the benefits to Australian consumers and industry.
Regional communications
We will improve communication services for all Australians including those living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Cyber-safety and e-security
We will work to increase awareness and provide education about cyber-safety and e-security issues in the community. We will also undertake research and consultation to inform policy and deliver programs that better protect Australian internet users.
Transition to digital television
We will coordinate the switchover from analog to digital television by the end of 2013. We will ensure that people in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of the country are prepared for the transition.
Broadcasting
We will work to enhance the quality and diversity of television and radio broadcasting services for all Australians.
Business improvement
We will improve our performance through more efficient and effective leadership, internal communication, planning and budgeting, risk management, staff performance management, information management and process redesign. Our practices: how we will approach our work we will:
Our practices: how we will approach our work
We will:
- develop and implement effective policies and programs that clearly deliver the policy agendas of our Minister and the Australian Government
- set out our key strategies, priorities and performance measures for each financial year in the Portfolio Budget Statements
- adhere to our Service Charter standards and the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct
- uphold good governance and public accountability practices
- align our planning, performance management and reporting to support Government policy
- encourage consumer and industry representation in policy development to stimulate innovation and improve outcomes
- nurture our relationships with key stakeholders
- continually review our processes to ensure that they support, and not hold back, the delivery of outcomes
- ensure that our people are working in a safe and healthy environment
- provide our people with support to perform and opportunities to develop their capability and build a career within the Department, and
- improve internal and external communication.
Our framework
