The Albanese Government has turned its back on the regions abolishing not just the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) but also providing no 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
Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Perin Davey, said the axing of the Mobile Black Spot in 2026/27 is a major blow for regional communities.
“Combine this move with the fact there is also no funding allocated for the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia or the Peri-Urban Mobile Program beyond 2026/27, is it any wonder regional communities feel isolated,” Senator Davey said.
“The Albanese Government politicised the Mobile Black Spot Program in the lead up to the last election when they made numerous promises for Labor-held seats.
“Now the Budget papers show Labor is again going to ramp up funding for mobile connectivity just in time for the coming election year, before it falls away and then comes to a grinding halt.
“It’s no surprise that the Auditor-General in carrying out an investigation into Labor’s Round 6 funding of the MBSP and we look forward to the report on that affair, later this month.
“Improving connectivity for people in both the bush is critical and shouldn’t be at the whim of the Albanese Government’s political strategy.
“The Minister for Communications needs to explain why she is abolishing the Mobile Black Spot Program while failing to provide long-term funding for other mobile connectivity programs that so many Australians rely on,” Senator Davey said.
*1 Source: Budget Paper 1 – p.220
*2 Source – Department PBS – p.70
[1] 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review kicks off | Australian Government Regional Telecommunications Review (rtirc.gov.au)
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