The Federal Government has announced the inaugural members of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUMSA), the new statutory agency that will be tasked with ensuring basic telecommunications services are available to all Australians.

 

Peter Harris, currently the Secretary of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, will serve as acting Chair for the coming three months pending an announcement about a permanent appointment.

 

The other members of TUSMA are Mr Cameron O'Reilly and Ms Rosemary Sinclair (appointed for four years); and Mr Keith Gomes, Ms Nicole Rich, and Ms Desley Boyle (appointed for three years).

 

TUMSA was established by the Federal Government to administer the delivery of a range of telecommunications safeguards, including the Universal Service Obligation.

 

The Agency has been tasked with ensuring that:

  • All Australians have reasonable access to a standard telephone service;
  • Payphones are reasonably accessible to all Australians;
  • The Emergency Call Service by Telstra and the National Relay Service continues;
  • Untimed local calls in extended zones are provided for; and
  • Appropriate safety net arrangements are in place to support the transition from copper-based services to the NBN.