Andy Smith Email & Phone Number

Canberra, Act, Au

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Canberra, Australia

Parliament House

I am the senior adviser to the Minster for Communications, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield on all matters relating to the National Broadband Network (NBN) and regional communications. I provide policy and strategic advice on the NBN rollout and the company, as well as advice and analysis on legislative and political issues that arise in relation to telecommunications policy. I have strong working relationships with key industry stakeholders, portfolio department, local and federal government stakeholders and ministerial/backbench colleagues.Prior to my promotion to senior adviser in August 2018, I was the lead adviser managing the Parliamentary backbench on general telecommunications matters and NBN rollout.

Parliament House

I previously worked for former Senator the Hon Fiona Nash and then Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie in their capacity as regional communications Minister.I was the lead adviser for providing strategic advice on the NBN fixed wireless and satellite rollout, Mobile Black Spots Program, TV reception issues, the Universal Service Obligation and other portfolio issues.I prepared a range of written advice to the Minister including QTBs, Senate Estimates briefs, Cabinet briefing notes and recommendations relating to Departmental advice.Prior to my promotion as adviser, I was the senior Departmental Liaison Officer, managing the interaction between the Minister’s Office and the Department to facilitate decision making processes. I also managed Cabinet, Question Time and Senate Estimates briefings for the Minister. =

Canberra, Australia

Prior to leaving the Department as an executive level officer, I spent nearly nine years gaining experience in the international and parliamentary branches, which included: Advising Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Free Trade Agreements in relation to telecommunications and E-commerce and represent at trade negotiation rounds and DFAT trade forums  Engaging industry stakeholders on international market access barriers  Managing the international engagement programme, including bid processes, logistics, briefing coordination and liaison with the Minister’s Office and Embassy network to facilitate bilateral and multilateral engagement activities Managing and facilitating the provision of entitlements and asset management for the Minister Liaising with representatives of other government agencies, industry representatives and Departmental staff and coordinate joint responses to a range of issues relevant to the portfolio Coordinating and preparing portfolio Question Time Briefs, meeting briefs, function briefs, Ministerial submissions and Ministerial responses