State of Play - Gurmesh Singh

STATE OF PLAY

with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

GROWING UP IN THE 90’S, ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SHOWS WAS CALLED BEYOND 2000.

The program looked at cutting edge technologies and what the future might look like if those technologies were developed further. Video-phones, satellite navigation, self-driving cars – all of these technologies were predicted to change the way we live and work. One of the biggest changes to our way of life has been the changes to telecommunications. In the 80’s and 90’s, making a long distance phone call meant timing it for a certain night when the phone providers made it cheaper. Mobile phone technology meant that we became more mobile and contactable, and the technology improved rapidly. Within a decade we had gone from STD phone calls on a Saturday night to free FaceTime and video calling. Smartphones brought with them a range of apps. While many apps are designed to chew up time, a lot of apps have enhanced our productivity to new levels. We’re able to share information in new ways and it’s meant that for many people, the workplace has changed. 10 years ago, working for a big national or international company meant relocating to a large city where these companies

are often headquartered. It could have also meant a lot of travel and time spent away from family members, friends, and community. Modern workplaces, due substantially to 10 years ago, the COVID pandemic, have had to allow working for a employees to work from home. And we’ve big national or seen people take advantage of that in huge international numbers. company meant If you can work from home, and home can relocating to a large be anywhere, we will start to see more and city where these more people decide to move to Regional companies are o en NSW, or to hire people from Regional NSW headquartered. It for senior roles. could have also Technology has opened the door to meant a lot of travel opportunities for young people to further and time spent away their careers while living in the best address from family in the world instead of a cramped Sydney members, friends, apartment. and community. This will change the face of our local economy as well as our local demographics. Giving people more options was always the promise of technology – and now we’re seeing it come to fruition.