The Albanese Government has continued to turn its back on the regions.
In another example of Labor’s ignorance to the wealth producing regions of Australia, the Labor government has abolished not just the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) but has also failed to provide ongoing funding for other key regional and peri-urban communications infrastructure programs.
Despite Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announcing in January that “all Australians deserve access to quality communications service – no matter where they live or work[1],” hidden in the Budget papers are cuts to regional communications programs, including:
“…the conclusion of the Mobile Black Spot Program.*1
Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said the the axing of the Mobile Black Spot program was a major blow for regional communities.
“On 8 May the Minister announced that the government was undertaking an audit of mobile coverage across Australia.
“Actions speak louder than words and this government has done nothing except deliver lip service to regional Australia when it comes to telecommunications.
“Is it any wonder regional communities feel ignored by this government? Here in Groom we’ve seen story after story of the telecommunications network buckling and the Albanese Labor government’s approach to it is ‘they do not care’, it isn’t good enough,” Mr Hamilton said.
The Coalition is calling on the Minister for Communications to explain why the Albanese Government is abolishing the Mobile Black Spot Program and failing to fund other mobile connectivity programs that so many Australians rely on.
Mr Hamilton said he has recently concluded a Telecommunications survey and would be providing a submission to the Government.
*1 Source: Budget Paper 1 – p.220
*2 Source – Department PBS – p.70
ENDS.
