A new online survey is seeking views on how Australians’ living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a federal parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers that was announced on Christmas Eve 2021.

With only a short amount of time to ensure the voices of regional residents are heard in the Inquiry, readers of local newspapers are being urged to have their say by clicking on the link to the fast and simple survey.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said "over the past ten years news outlets in rural, regional and remote communities have closed their doors which has resulted in a substantial reduction of articles covering local issues."

"It is important that we listen to our communities about what's important to them. This survey provides an opportunity for these communities to express their views on whether the loss of their regional voice has directly affected them."

However, even if your local newspaper has operated continually in recent years - which is the case for the vast majority of western plains communities - your views on the value and role of locally-based journalism are still important.

"I encourage anyone who lives in Australia’s regional, rural or remote areas to participate in the online survey," Dr Webster said.

The survey is open until 11 February 2022 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

For those who have more to say about the value and future of local newspapers in regional communities, the Committee is continuing to accept written submissions until 28 January 2022.

Submissions do not need to be elaborate and there is no set format for a submission to a parliamentary committee.

According to the parliamentary website, submissions may be in the form of a letter, a short document or a more substantial paper They may include appendices and other supporting documents. You can even submit your views in audio visual format.

You may wish to include facts, opinions and arguments and recommendations for action. 

Submissions which address the terms of reference directly, avoid unnecessary repetition and include recommendations that stand out clearly from the surrounding text are particularly appreciated.

More information about the Inquiry may be found on the Committee’s webpage