As has now been well reported, a large group of men led by Thomas Sewell, the leader of the neo-nazi National Socialist Network, boarded a train at Artarmon (a small, quiet, suburban train station on Sydney’s north shore) where they claimed they were travelling to the City to participate in Australia Day events. This is also where large ‘Invasion Day’ rallies were taking place. 

NSW Police acted promptly and decisively where they intercepted the group at North Sydney Station. Six were arrested and 57 were issued with Rail Infringement Notices and prevented from continuing their journey and attending Australia Day events in the City.  

The group then walked up the Pacific Highway from North Sydney back to Artarmon, escorted by police cars and a police helicopter. There is some commentary that the group had travelled to Sydney from Victoria.

The following Sunday they were also seen gathering at a local Artarmon park where the police again acted quickly.

I follow politics and the news cycle closely every day through my work as a political commentator and campaigner. This is sadly far from the first time I’ve seen such a group gather and intimidate in this way in Australia and ASIO has been raising the alarm about a rise in neo-nazi groups for some time. However, seeing neo-nazis in my local community, in locations that are so familiar, is frightening and a strong reminder that none of us are immune or protected by where and how we live.

In recent years, Australia Day has become an issue where the views of an increasing number of people in our community have evolved to be more aligned with the views of Indigenous Australians and their concerns with this day. Politicians such as Peter Dutton and others, are increasingly using tactics straight out of the Trump playbook to whip up nationalism against these views through outrage and division.

Starting in early January, Australia Day has become a standard day in the calendar for these Trump-like tactics where this year we also saw violent attacks at various Woolworths stores as a direct outcome of Peter Dutton’s (and other’s) nationalistic calls.

Such tactics by politicians can’t work in isolation. They feed the agenda-led 24/7 mainstream news cycle of a highly disrupted mainstream media sector – whose revenue model now largely relies on how many listen to and watch shock jocks and click to read outrage headlines. This then flows to and amplifies across social media platforms which are mostly unregulated and unmoderated.  

It’s these tactics, these ‘ecosystems of outrage’ which are deliberately put into play by politicians and media again and again over a range of issues. Rinse. Repeat. 

These deliberate and predictable tactics find their audience through a ground ripe with social division. The annual Scanlon Report (out of Monash University), recently showed we are more divided now than at any time since the report’s commencement 16 years ago. The Report, which measures Australia’s social cohesion, found the “relentless cost-of-living pressure, rising interest rates, uncertainty about the direction of the economy and growing concern about inequality has undermined Australia’s sense of social cohesion”. The pandemic and The Voice also contributed. 

Throughout history we’ve seen populist politicians take advantage of social division with the most terrible and tragic outcomes. Those of us who are watching, clearly see history repeating, certainly overseas and increasingly here in Australia where we are also vulnerable to the global shift to populist politicians and parties. 

This concerning and highly charged environment coincides with 40 countries holding their elections this year (the most in a single year in history) including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, The EU and Indonesia. It is not alarmist to say that democracy is at risk.

Australia also has multiple elections – state/territory elections in QLD, NT and ACT – and council elections in Vic and NSW with media reporting the plans of fringe groups in some of these elections.

As I highlighted last year for the Women’s Agenda Keynotes series – the solution is in our hands. It requires our active, positive and inclusive participation in our democracy within our communities, and using the power of our compulsory vote to ensure we elect representatives who prioritise our interests in their actions and decision making. 

Our participation in our democracy is also perhaps the most profound legacy we can leave to our kids and our grandkids. I was reminded of this when I made that phone call to my eldest daughter warning her about the group of neo-nazis in our local area.

No one is coming to save us but us. We all have a role to play to support and strengthen our democracy. It’s time to step up!

The post Neo-nazis in Artarmon? A stark reminder that none of us are immune from the politics of division  appeared first on Women's Agenda.

Debbie is the second woman to feature in Denise Shrivell’s new monthly Q&A series, in which she speaks with women who’re making an impact on an important issue. The aim is to inspire more of us to see what’s possible on getting involved in issues and causes we care about. Denise is very active on Twitter in the #AUSPOL community, you can follow her here.

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What is your role and what do you actually do?

As CEO of Sister Inside Inc. in Queensland, I lead our individual and systemic advocacy.  Sisters Inside exists to advocate for the human rights of women and girls in the criminal legal system, and their children.  We also provide services in response to the unmet human rights and needs of criminalised women in Queensland.  I actively work towards dismantling the prison industrial complex. Much of my day-to-day work involves public advocacy on issues affecting criminalised women, mainly focused on highlighting the fundamental injustice and racism of the so-called criminal ‘justice’ system.  Because Sisters is the largest organisation in this space in Australia, I also contribute alongside like-minded organisations to lobbying in other states and territories, nationally and internationally.  Sisters Inside has NGO Consultative Status at the United Nations, so I’m increasingly working with organisations in other countries to address the massive and growing over-imprisonment of women and girls for minor, non-violent offences, world-wide.

Sisters Inside is driven by the principle “nothing about us, without us”.  So wherever I travel, much of my time is spent engaging with criminalised women and girls:  I am guided by the perceptions, priorities and needs of these women and girls in everything I do.

How did your interest in community engagement start?

I have a substantial criminal history – I spent over 20 years in and out of children and women’s prisons in Queensland.  During my last sentence, I became involved in prisoner advisory groups and, for the first time, realised that I could have a voice and contribute to improving the situation of myself and other women prisoners.  Upon leaving prison, I promised the other women that I would continue to address the injustices and violence they experienced on a daily basis.  As soon as I was released, I began developing Sisters Inside with the women in prison.

What is your main focus right now?

All my work is driven by abolition though decarceration strategies to reduce the number of women and girls in prisons.  The rate of imprisonment for women and girls, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls, has grown exponentially over the past couple of decades.  When I was in last in prison (1989-92) there were a total of about 100 women in prison in Queensland – now there are approximately 1000 women on any one day.  Most are imprisoned due to poverty and/or trauma.  Approximately 40% nationally are on remand:  they are usually refused bail due to homelessness or lack of rehabilitation or mental health services.  In other words, these women and girls are imprisoned for failures of the state to meet their basic human rights.

I’m also particularly supporting an emerging campaign to address missing and murdered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.  We know that, nationally, First Nations women are murdered at 5 times the rate of other women.  Most Australian states and territories don’t bother counting the number of missing First Nations women and girls, however the evidence available suggests that the rate at which First Nations women are missing is at least 3 times the rate of other women.

How do you believe women can have a positive impact in this space?

Being very pragmatic, it’s not in men’s interest to address issues affecting women.  The ‘sisters’ must ‘do it for themselves’ (to quote well-worn lyrics).  It is only through working together to address the issues affecting the most vulnerable and marginalised women, that we can build a society which is better for all women.

Tell us about the constructive initiatives happening in your area?

I believe it’s important that initiatives are concurrently practical, educational and political.  The #FreeHer campaign, for example, aims to stop individual Aboriginal mothers from being imprisoned for non-payment of fines; to educate the community about the realities of women’s imprisonment; and to lobby the WA Government to legislate to end the practice of imprisonment for non-payment of fines.  It’s amazing how quickly people come on board and support a campaign, once they’re aware of the phenomenal injustice being done to our First Nations women.  So far, over 9,000 people have donated over $½ million to pay off women’s fines, and the WA Government has been forced to table draft legislation to stop the practice.

At a wider level, the decarceration message is starting to kick in!  The Queensland Government is leading the way in trying to divert large numbers of women from prison.  For example, Sisters Inside is funded to have workers for both women and girls in the main Brisbane Watchhouse every day, to help women and girls to access the resources they need to get bail, then support them in court and post-release.  For those who are imprisoned on remand, our Supreme Court Bail program in all women’s prisons supports eligible women to have a second opportunity to apply for bail.  I’m hoping that, with our evident success in keeping women out of prison once they’re adequately supported in the community, other states and territories will follow this lead.

What would you do if you were PM for a day?

The women we work with are largely affected by state, rather than federal, legislation.  If I was PM for a day, I’d address 3 of the few areas which are responsibilities of the Australian Government.  Firstly, I would ensure land rights were given back to First Nations people. This would start a healing process that we inflicted since invasion of this county. Secondly, I would end poverty. Everyone would receive a guaranteed minimum income.  We have enough wealth in this county to ensure that no one lived in poverty. Thirdly I would end homelessness. Affordable housing would be available for everyone in Australia.

If I was Premier of a State, or Chief Minister of a Territory, I would close all youth prisons immediately. I’d decriminalise minor, non-violent offences, such as public nuisance and drug possession charges, which account for the vast majority of women prisoners.  Trauma is the other key contributor to criminalisation of women, with the vast majority of women prisoners having survived violence.  I’d outlaw re-traumatising practices routinely practiced in Australian women’s prisons, particularly strip searching and solitary confinement.  I’d ensure domestic violence legislation was gendered (for example, since de-gendered legislation was introduced, breach of DVO’s has joined the top ten reasons for women’s imprisonment in Queensland!)  And, I’d outlaw mandatory sentences which do not allow the judiciary to make judgements based on the wider context of an offence.  Once prisons emptied, I would close them one by one.

What other priorities do you have in your life and how do you manage these?

I am privileged to enjoy deep relationships with both my biological and chosen family.  My two granddaughters are the joy of my life, and continually remind me of the importance of my commitment to future generations.  For me, work is a lifestyle – I wasted too many years in prison and am committed to achieving all I can in the free world.  Given my hectic lifestyle, I’m fortunate not to have dependent children – you can hand grandchildren back!  But my husband and the rest of the family certainly help keep my feet on the ground when I’m home.

What’s a tangible idea we can all adopt to make a difference?

I can’t do better than reiterate Amanda McKenzie’s 3 key strategies:

1. Use your time. Learn about the realities of women’s imprisonment, particularly the racism that underpins the massive over-imprisonment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Learn about these women’s collective past and the genocidal practices which continue to re-traumatise our First Nations people.  If you are not a First Nations woman, learn about white privilege and how we can usefully support our First Nations sisters.  Form book clubs or discussion groups to engage with the rich literature available and, call out racism wherever you find it!
2. Use your money. Donate to organisations advocating for criminalised women, or community-owned First Nations organisations and campaigns. Follow your local organisation for criminalised women and Sisters Inside on social media, and contribute to campaigns such as #FreeHer or #Sorry Business, as they arise.
3. Use your voice. Follow-up on campaigns through writing to or talking with your local MP. In particular, there are local campaigns related to deaths in custody in most states and territories.  Join action groups campaigning for change and attend rallies.  Follow the lead of our First Nations people and support them in ways they find useful – don’t try to lead the action!

How do you manage your own self care?

I function best when I do intense, daily fitness training. Friends and colleagues say that they can tell whether I’ve worked out in the morning by my energy level during the day!

How do you stay informed and updated with the news?

I am connected to amazing women around the world who are leaders in prison abolition. I am active on Twitter and follow a large variety of powerful people who might impact criminalised women – positively or negatively.  I have also built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders over many years.  This means I hear any significant news very early, and am directed to the relevant mainstream media or other information sources (such as academic studies) in time to prepare and make comment.

The post How Debbie Kilroy achieves change for women and girls in the criminal legal system appeared first on Women's Agenda.

She’s determined to ensure the link between the recent bushfires and climate change is understood, and wants more of us to recognise the proactive things that can and are being done. 

She says that many of the most effective leaders on climate change internationally are women, and notes the fresh style of leadership women are bringing to the conversation — often when they’re leading from behind. 

Amanda’s the first to feature in Denise Shrivell’s new monthly Q&A series, in which she speaks with women who’re making an impact on an important issue. The aim is to inspire more of us to see what’s possible on getting involved in issues and causes we care about. Denise is very active on Twitter in the #AUSPOL community, you can follow her here. 

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On Women’s Agenda, we believe women’s leadership is critical for managing the climate crisis. Stay in the loop with our independent news. Sign up for our free update. 

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What is your role and what do you actually do?

I am CEO of the Climate Council. We are Australia’s leading climate change communications organisation. I work with many of our top experts across climate science, extreme weather, health, renewable energy, transport and policy. We work to translate all of the important information they bring for a public audience and to advocate strongly for better policies from all levels of government. We are funded by the community, thousands of people that believe that climate change is a critical issue and want to see Australia doing far more to tackle it.

How did your interest in community engagement start?

My parents were both very community minded, volunteering with local clubs and our school. I suppose it was in my DNA, I wanted to contribute to the world and make a difference. When I learnt about climate change in 2005 I immediately knew that this was something I wanted to work on. I was floored by the devastation climate change was likely to cause and felt like I needed to be apart of efforts to prevent that from happening.

What is your main focus right now?

During the current bushfire crisis we have been working to ensure that people understand that these events have been driven by climate change. It’s crucial that communities, emergency services, health services and policy makers understand why this has happened and that it will continue to get worse in the future without dedicated and effective efforts to reduce emissions.

It is important that people understand that Australia is an important player globally. We pollute more than 180 other countries and we are one of the biggest exporters of coal and gas. This means what we do makes a big difference, but also if we fail to act we hold back international progress.

Practically this has meant publishing reports, doing lots of media interviews and supporting the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, a group of 30 former Australian Fire and Emergency service leaders, to make their voices heard.

How do you believe women can have a positive impact in this space?

Many of the most effective leaders on climate change around the world are women. I think women often bring a different style of leadership which is about bringing people together, listening, less ego and leading from behind. These skills are crucial in a political environment that has often been plagued by entrenched positions and tribalism.

We simply can’t wait for politicians to solve this crisis. All of us need to support change within our own sphere, whether that’s at our workplace, community club, child’s school, as well as raising our voices and putting relentless pressure on politicians. Women need to lead across the board.

Tell us about the constructive initiatives happening in your area?

With the federal government failing to act on climate change it is critical that local and state governments step up. We manage a program called the Cities Power Partnership which is designed to empower local governments around Australia with the resources they need to craft and implement effective climate action plans. There are now over 120 local governments, representing over 10 million people, signed up to the program. Initiatives include bulk buying solar panels, local solar farms, electric vehicle charging schemes and so much more. The councils also work together to share knowledge and advocate together for change from the federal government. It is awesome to see practical action and leadership on the ground.

What would you do if you were PM for a day?

Legislate strong, comprehensive climate change policy to enable Australia to become a global leader in tackling climate change.

The policy should:

• Drive Australia towards being powered by renewable energy.
• Electrify our transport sector, manufacturing and heavy industry.
• Drive the creation of new export opportunities from clean energy.
• Support solutions on the land.
• Include a plan to build new industries and opportunities in communities previously reliant on coal.

I’d then convene experts from emergency services, health, defence, community resilience and emergency management to create an effective plan for protecting Australians from worsening extreme weather.

The result would be a pathway to build a clean, successful economy of the 21st century, as well as preparing for the climate extremes that we are now too late to prevent.

What other priorities do you have in your life and how do you manage these?

The centre of my universe is my 2 year old daughter Matilda. She is funny, opinionated, determined and joyous person. Like any parent the juggle is real challenging working full time. The most important thing is that my partner Sam truly shares the load, he believes in me and my work and I feel like we are a really good team. The Climate Council has built a strong culture of flexible work and I often take Matilda with me if I need to travel. I have had her sit at my feet during a press conference or TV interviews, she’s joined me on zoom calls, I’ve timed work around sleeps (which sometimes works!) and she’s been bribed to be quiet with snacks a few too many times.

Over the last few years with my maternity leave and coming back to work I have tried to delegate more and more and invest in staff growth and development. This is improving the capacity of the organisation and has allowed me to step back on a number of elements. I just can’t do the hours I used to do at work so I have tried to be more strategic with my time.

What’s a tangible idea we can all adopt to make a difference?

There is a role for all of us in tackling the climate crisis. I like to say use you time, your money and/or your voice.

Use your time. Have a think about the influence you can have in your community. Can you influence the business you work for, the university you attend, your local council or the school your kids attend to be more sustainable? Could you volunteer your time to an organisation trying to make a difference?

Use your money. Donate to organisations doing great work on climate change, and look at where your money is being invested. For example research your bank or superannuation fund, what are they investing your money in? Switch to an institution that does not invest in fossil fuels – and make sure you tell you current fund why you are leaving.

Use your voice. Politicians and businesses need to hear from you! It is imperative that those making decisions know that the community wants change. So call your member of Parliament, write letters to the papers, sign petitions, and join organisations campaigning for change.

How do you manage your own self care?

It can be hard to prioritise and to be honest I not always great at it. I direct and limit my intake of media, I do pilates twice a week and I take regular holidays. The recent bushfire crisis has been terrible and I have really felt for people who have lost loved ones or homes. It is devastating to now see the scale and severity of extreme weather events that scientists have been warning about for decades. All the destruction can lead me to a place of despair. I find focusing on the little things, like taking Matilda to the park, helps me to maintain optimism, focus and determination.

How do you stay informed and updated with the news?

I read reputable news sources particularly the Guardian and the ABC. The Climate Council’s social channels have the latest on climate change.

The post Meet Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council: ‘We can’t wait for politicians to solve this’ appeared first on Women's Agenda.

Some have said this is the first Australian Election where social media plays a significant role. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat (and more) are increasingly important and powerful platforms for voters to engage and communicate with – and for politicians to manage. I use social media to develop a deeper understanding of the issues I care about and how our political landscape really works. This will help me make an informed vote on July 2. 

“Democracy is not a spectator sport, it’s a participatory event. If we don’t participate in it, it ceases to be a democracy.” Michael Moore

Over the last 12 or so months I’ve had a political awakening. My husband says it’s like I’ve been ‘born again’ and in some ways he’s right. I’ve found my political ‘truth’ and can finally ‘see’ the realities of our political and news media landscape. Overall, it’s a compelling, sorry story and is something we should all be aware of — particularly in an Election year where the real policy differences between each of the Parties can impact us all.

I’ve long had an interest in politics, watching programs like Q&A and Insiders, and i’m aware of my Federal and State members and candidates. I’ve also binged on the all too frequent Prime Ministerial spills we’ve had over recent years.

But five prime ministers in five years made me wonder what was really going on in politics, so I looked a little further and came across the #auspol hashtag on Twitter.

The #auspol Twitter hashtag community is the third largest and most active Twitter community globally and the largest political hashtag globally. (We may be getting gazumped at the moment with the US Election). It is an active community of Australian political junkies with every kind of view you could possibly imagine. It is also frequently used by politicians and journalists with issues ranging from asylum seekers, education, health, homelessness, tax avoidance, climate change to gay marriage, NBN and the current July 2 Double Dissolution Election. 

While #auspol is not immune from views which I find just plain wrong (some abhorrent and the odd troll), it is far from ‘digital graffiti’. It’s full of passionate people who are there to develop a deeper knowledge of our political landscape, and to express, form, share opinions, and have a rant – often in that uniquely witty Australian way. There is frustration, anger and plenty of disagreement, but I mostly see this stemming from a strong position of care and wanting a better and fairer Australia. In a highly diverse, active and large ‘broad-church’ of views, I’ve found it interesting that you tend to gravitate and form your own ‘tribe’ of politically like–minded Tweeps.

Along with #auspol, I’ve also broadened the media brands where I get my news and political information from and now read from a wide range of sources beyond mainstream media and the ABC. (*I’ve listed some of this media below). I often find the comments on articles more insightful where any bias (often) from a journalist or commentator is generally called out. 

Sadly, the more I know about Australian politics, some politicians and commentators, the more I see how we’ve been let down through a broken system which is not meeting our ongoing needs. Particularly as we increasingly become part of a global community which in many ways is evolving far more quickly than us. 

“Australia is a lucky country run mainly by second rate people who share its luck.” Donald Horne from his 1964 book ‘Lucky Country’

One issue I’ve taken a particular interest in is the National Broadband Network (NBN), which I came across in a most curious way…

Over the January holidays I was lying by a pool scrolling through #auspol and came across an intriguing tweet from the now ex ABC tech journalist Nick Ross, who on the day he was made redundant tweeted:

Now I can write about the NBN again – Nick Ross

I then went well and truly down the NBN rabbit hole and have not come back out. 

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s largest ever infrastructure project ($56 billion) and is fundamental to our successful role within an innovative digital world economy, underpinning sectors such as business (large, medium and small), health and education. While I was seeing the impact of the NBN through the lens of the industry I work in (marketing, advertising and media), the sub-standard NBN, currently being rolled out around Australia, will impact us all in various ways from business and households to the mum who works from home (like me) – to our kids and their future careers.

The more I read and spoke with people the more I knew this was a story which my industry was not fully aware of and one that had to be told. Long story short, in mid-March I sent an open letter to my colleagues outlining key points about the NBN – most of which are relevant to all women. 

It received plenty of feedback and got people talking. I hope it will get you talking too:  

Dear Colleagues,

Today I’m reaching out to all of you with a message about the National Broadband Network (NBN) – the ‘nation building’ telecommunications infrastructure which underpins the ongoing productivity and success of our own and all other Australian industries.

It’s time to raise your awareness and serious concerns around the NBN roll-out strategy and understand the negative and profound impact this plan will have on the future of Australian marketing, advertising and media as we transition to a digital based industry operating in a global market.

The long held views of telecommunications experts, tech journalists, academics and some politicians are gaining increasing traction for their evidence showing a vast difference between the infrastructure being rolled-out through Australia’s NBN and the infrastructure we need to comprehensively face the fast digital future.

“The national broadband network, as it stands today is a disaster. It is hands down the most poorly managed infrastructure project in Australia’s history. Everything – from the pathetic political debate that ensued at its inception, to the horse trading over its design and funding, has been an absolute and complete mess. From its initial idea, which was fairly simple and visionary, to replace the copper network with fibre and a couple of Satellites, it has blown out to a mess of expensive, obsolete band aids.” James Pinnell from PC Authority 

“If we are going to be an innovations nation how are we going to compete against countries that already have internet speeds 100x faster than ours” Laurie Patton CEO of Internet Australia

For those of you who don’t know much about the NBN (I didn’t till quite recently) here are 10 quick bullet points to get your head around. Hang in there, this is important…

1. According to Akamai Australia’s average internet connectivity speed is ranked 46th in the world & is declining.  Most internet connections are currently through ADSL. Some commentators say we will be ranked 100th by 2020 even with the NBN in place.Update:  Latest Akamai report shows Australia’s ranking falling rapidly to 60th.

2. The NBN is being rolled-out now across Australia with the aim of delivering fast broadband. This roll-out plan is based on the Multi-Technology-Mix model (MTM)with 5 forms of connection…

– FTTN (fibre to the node) – optic fibre connects with existing copper cable and runs into the home

– FTTP (fibre to the premise) – optic fibre runs directly into the premise or home. Commentators and experts recognise FTTP as the most effective for our digital future.

– HFC (hybrid fibre coaxial) – optic fibre connects with existing cable used for PayTV

– Fixed Wireless – internet signal sent by tower to antennae fixed to a premise

– Satellite – for remote regions

Update: FTTdp (fibre to the distribution point) – fibre optic cable can be run to the fence line of a premise then connected to existing copper.  This is considered a good short term option as fibre optic cable can be extended directly to the premise at a later date.  FTTdp is currently being trialled in a limited number of households.

3. The majority of NBN connections will be FTTN (fibre to the node) where optic fibre connects at the ‘node’ housed in a green cabinet (see title image) with Telstra’s existing copper cable. This copper cable then runs directly into each premise or house connecting with a NBN modem.

4. The average age of Telstra’s existing copper cable used under the FTTN model is in some cases upwards of 90 years old. The copper cable is degrading, requires increasing maintenance, is highly susceptible to weather conditions and rapidly loses speed over distance. In short, it’s not fit for purpose now, let alone in a fast digital future.

5. In 2013, the current NBN MTM model replaced the original plan which involved FTTP where 93% were to receive fibre optic cable directly to the premise bypassing Telstra’s copper cable. Australian’s in remote areas were to receive satellite.

6. Governments of developed nations around the world (except Italy) are rolling out full FTTP (fibre to the premise) cable.

7. A recent cost update increased the NBN MTM rollout from $41 billion to $56 billion, making it Australia’s single most expensive infrastructure project ever.  PriceWaterhouseCoopers recently valued the NBN at $27 billion.  Update: the 2016 budget shows Government funding for the NBN ceases at the end of the 2016/2017 FY.  

8. While the NBN cable provides broadband connectivity, the digital signal is pushed through bandwidth sold by Telstra to ISP’s.  This is another complex layer impacting internet speeds. Update: The impact of Australia’s telecommunications duopoly plays a large part in the state of the NBN & has been outlined in this article by SharkTank’s Stephen Baxter.

9. Pointing to dissatisfaction within corporate ranks, regular leaks are now emerging from within NBNCo (the Govt run business charged with NBN roll-out) showing delays, cost blowouts and customer complaints. Some customers are saying their FTTN speed is no better than ADSL particularly during congested internet usage periods.  The latest leak appeared on Wednesday. Update: On May 19, 2016 the Australian Federal Police (& an NBN Security Officer) conducted unprecedented raids on the offices of Labor Senator Stephen Conroy looking for leaked NBN documents which were received under Parliamentary privilege. An overview of these #NBNRaids can be seen here.

10. There is an increasing awareness that Australia will hit a digital ‘roadblock’ through the NBN within 5-10 years as our digital telecommunications needs will be – and is already showing to be – far too big for the broadband infrastructure in place.

With the above points in mind, imagine a commercial future in which a sub-standard NBN is our gateway to consumers, clients, and a digitally connected global economy. How will this affect your business as marketers, advertisers and publishers?

Read the rest of this Open Letter including more compelling evidence here.  

*Broaden your media habits beyond mainstream (article comments recommended):

– New Matilda
– Independent Australia
– Crikey
– The Guardian
– The Conversation
– Delimiter
– The Saturday Paper
– Twitter – #auspol
– Twitter – #ausvotes (this hashtag has been created by Twitter for the July 2 Election)

The post Australia’s NBN: An issue women should engage in appeared first on Women's Agenda.