Image of the Department of Communications and the Arts 2016-17 annual report logo.
Annual Report 2016-17 highlights
National Broadband Network
As at 30 June 2017, NBN services were available to over two thirds of Australian homes and businesses outside major urban areas through fixed line, fixed wireless and satellite infrastructure.
2.4 millionhomes and businesses are already benefiting from connection to the network.
31,624premises and 2,256 kilometres of major roads across regional and rural Australia are benefiting from improved mobile coverage under the program
Mobile Black Spot Program
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Program will deliver almost $600 million (GST inclusive) in new investment in mobile infrastructure in regional and remote Australia.
As at 30 June 2017, a total of 203 base stations have been deployed under the program. These 203 base stations are providing improved mobile coverage to an estimated 31,624 premises and 2,256 kilometres of major roads across regional and rural Australia.
Modernising regulatory and policy frameworks
In 2016–17, the Department supported our Ministers in establishing strong foundations for a range of significant reforms that will modernise our relationship with the communications and creative sectors, relating to content, copyright, broadcasting, spectrum and support for cultural and artistic endeavours.
Indigenous Repatriation
In 2016–17, the Department supported the return of Australian Indigenous ancestral remains from seven overseas collecting institutions. Representatives from four communities participated in repatriation handover ceremonies in London and Berlin.
16Australian Indigenous ancestral remains were returned from overseas institutions to community representatives through the support of the Department.
Supporting Australian artistic and cultural endeavours
In 2016–17, the Department continued to support Australian artistic and cultural endeavours, administering grant and program funding valued at $165.4 million.
$165.4 millionin grant and program funding administered by the Department to support Australian artistic and cultural endeavours