The Federal Government says a new communications industry regulator will be better able to control the ever-changing sector.

The Government is conducting a review of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the body responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radio communications and telecommunications.

“The Australian communications environment has changed dramatically since the ACMA was established in 2005,” Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull said.

“The rollout of the national broadband network, the introduction of digital multichannels, the widespread use of digital devices including smartphones, the growth of search engines like Google, and the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube, are all combining to make communications services a more integral part of every Australian home and business.”

He says the ACMA review will look at the communications sector as it stands, the evolving shape of the digital media and communications environment, and how the role of the communications regulator should adapt to these over time.

The review will make recommendations to Mr Turnbull on the future objectives, functions, structure, governance and resource base of ACMA.

It could help the Federal Government pursue its strong deregulation agenda, which it says is a burden on individuals and businesses.

The review will be undertaken by the Department of Communications, by a reference group of “Australian and international communications and regulatory experts” which has not yet been named.

Mr Turnbull says his department will consult widely with regulated entities, consumers, their representatives and relevant organisations, including other regulators.

The terms of reference for the review should be available here, but the link the Government put out is currently 404’d.