The country’s lawmakers are inviting regional and rural Australians to have their say on the future of the newspapers that serve them – or once did.

The online survey is part of a federal parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers, chaired by the National Party’s Anne Webster.

“Over the past ten years news outlets in rural, regional and remote communities have closed their doors which has resulted in a substantial reduction of articles covering local issues,” the MP for the Mallee said.

“It is important that we listen to our communities about what's important to them.”

“This survey provides an opportunity for these communities to express their views on whether the loss of their regional voice has directly affected them.”

Dr Webster encouraged “anyone who lives in Australia’s regional, rural or remote areas” to participate in the online survey, which is open until 11 February 2022 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

It can be reached via www.surveymonkey.com/r/WPVW256.

The Committee will also accept new submissions until 28 January 2022.