COMMUNICATIONS IN DAWSON GO DARK UNDER LABOR

The Albanese Labor Government has abolished future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program and has provided no ongoing funding for other key regional communications infrastructure programs.

All Australians deserve access to quality communications service – no matter where they live or work, though hidden in the Budget papers are cuts to regional communications programs, including:

“…the conclusion of the Mobile Black Spot Program.” *1

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the axing of the Mobile Black Spot in 2026/27 is a major blow for regional communities, with zero dollars allocated for 2027/28.

“For the people of Dawson, there are whole communities that do not have access to mobile connectivity, and some people have to leave their home just to get reception.

“In 2024, how is this good enough? This isn’t just so people can call friends and family for a chat, we’re talking about real life emergency situations where people are getting stranded.”

The Labor Government have also cut funding for the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which covers funding for a range of programs including on-farm connectivity and the Regional Tech Hub.

“It’s no wonder that people in regional Australian communities are feeling isolated.

“The Budget papers show Labor is 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 is carrying out an investigation into Labor’s Round 6 funding of the Mobile Black Spot Program and we look forward to the report later this month.

Funding for the Better Connectivity Plan will more than double in the lead up to the election from $101.8 million in 2023/24 to $228.4 million in 2024/25.  Funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program will nearly triple ahead of the poll day, from $17.5 million in 2023/24 to $45.9 million in 2024/25.  But all three programs receive zero funding in 2027/28. *2

“It’s clear that the Labor Party is once again lining up to use telecommunications funding for blatant political purposes ahead of the coming election.

“Improving connectivity for people in both the bush and those living on the outskirts of major cities is critical and shouldn’t be at the whim of the Albanese Government’s political strategy,” Mr Willcox said.

*1 Source:  Budget Paper 1 – p.220

*2 Source – Department PBS – p.70