MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM AXED

The Albanese Government’s scrapping of the Mobile Black Spot Program is a blow for residents and businesses in our region.

The program, established by the former Federal Coalition Government, has delivered an accumulation of 18 towers and small cells since 2013 across the Lyne electorate.

As there is more work to do, I had hoped that the Albanese Government would continue to fund the program across the full forward estimates.

The Budget papers confirm that funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program ceases in 2026/27, with zero dollars allocated for 2027/28. This program invests in infrastructure to improve mobile coverage.

The axing of the Mobile Black Spot Program shows a widening gap between the Albanese Government’s priorities and the telecommunication needs of people living in regional Australia.

Improving connectivity for people in regional areas is critical and shouldn’t be a political football.