The Online and Communications Council (OCC) operates as the peak ministerial forum across governments to consider and reach agreement on strategic approaches on information and communications issues of a national importance, and is chaired by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

The Queensland Government Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology, the Hon Robert Schwarten MP represents the Queensland Government at the OCC.

At the OCC meeting on the 21 May 2008 Minister Schwarten advocated for Queensland specific Broadband improvements under the proposed National Broadband Network (NBN) implementation.

A review of the OCC is currently being undertaken which will examine the Council’s future role, strategic direction and priorities, including the digital economy.

Undertaking the review at this time is particularly opportune, given the new communications landscape, which the NBN will create.

The Online and Communications Council Standing Committee is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. Membership includes senior officials representing ministers from each state and territory, the Australian Local Government Association, and the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO)

The Acting Queensland Government Chief Information Officer, Alan Chapman represents the Queensland Government on the OCC Standing Committee.