Future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program has been abolished as per the Federal Government’s recent budget with no ongoing funding to be provided for other key regional communications infrastructure programs.
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,” he said.
“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 Government has 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,” Mr Willcox said.
“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.
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 are to receive zero funding in 2027/28.
“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.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
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