The comms industry: active, engaged and valued

I would like to congratulate all the ARCIA members who helped to organise the annual Gala Dinner in October. The event brought together the industry in glittering fashion at the Melbourne Convention Centre and close to 500 people enjoyed dinner, industry awards and guest speakers. The awards continue to be popular and I would encourage all members to submit their candidates in 2015. This is a great way to receive industry recognition and to reward the dedicated efforts that people put into their work.

The dinner was held in conjunction with Comms Connect. I particularly enjoyed this year's program with many excellent speakers covering a range of topics. The presentation from the Victorian Department of Justice on the Emergency Call Alert system was excellent and really showed how well technology can be used. Public safety is such an important aspect of what our industry is about and it is tremendous to see such great innovation in action.

During November, ARCIA was asked to host a delegation from China and several ARCIA committee members gave up their time to present on behalf of our organisation. It is important that we continue to promote what we do, so a big thank you to those members who took this task on. Feedback from the organisers indicated that the visitors appreciated our efforts, which gave them a better understanding of the radio communications industry in Australia. They were surprised to learn that ARCIA does not receive any government funding and is supported only by its membership.

During the past few months ARCIA has been busy engaging with the ACMA and stating our case on a number of issues. I am pleased to report that the considerable effort the committee has been putting into this is paying off. The resulting lines of consultation between ARCIA and the ACMA have never been stronger and we will continue to keep growing this very important relationship. During Comms Connect an update from the ACMA provided an insight into the changes that are taking place and it is very refreshing to see the ACMA actively engaging with our community.

Members should pay special attention to Milestones 2 and 3 of the 400 MHz band plan and the changes that are required by government users to comply with harmonised government spectrum (HGA) rules. There will continue to be shifts for these users from commercial spectrum to HGA and members need to be aware that standard 450-520 MHz equipment may not be compatible. If any members come across issues regarding the changes required or problems from the agencies involved, then keep ARCIA involved and we may be able to assist or negotiate suitable outcomes.

Finally, by the time you read this the long-awaited ARCIA economic study will be officially released. ARCIA has gone to a lot of effort to make an impact with this report and get the information to the right people. The bottom line is that this report confirms what we all know but others seem to overlook. Our industry is active, is important and creates tremendous value in our economy, with a ‘social benefit’ ten times greater than the economic benefit. Now is the time for all members to get a copy of the report and start promoting it to your government contacts, local and state members or business associates.

Hamish Duff, President

Australian Radio Communications Industry Association