Labor’s callous Budget axes critical regional connectivity funding

The Albanese government’s shock axing of regional communications funding shows contempt for more than 10 million Australians who live in regional, rural, and remote Australia, according to Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety, Sarah Henderson, and Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Anne Webster.

The Budget papers confirm Labor has axed the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia (BCP) by ‘reprioritising’ this funding which comprises $116 million in 2026-27 and a further $49.6 million in the forward estimates.*

The BCP included future rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, the Regional Connectivity Program, the On Farm Connectivity Program, disaster and telecommunications resilience measures, the Regional Tech Hub and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.

“Labor’s Budget is a real kick in the guts for Australians who deserve mobile connectivity, no matter where they live,” Senator Henderson said.

“The decision to axe vital funding for regional communications infrastructure shows, once again, that Labor’s city-centric Communications Minister, Anika Wells, is not up to the job.”

“The axing of the Mobile Black Spot Program, which funded more than 1,300 new or upgraded base stations under the former Coalition government, demonstrates that Labor could not care less about the needs of regional communities.”

“The minister was too heartless even to retain the Regional Tech Hub**, another proud Coalition initiative, which last year supported around 28,000 regional Australians navigate internet and phone connectivity options.”

“Compounded by Labor’s botched 3G shutdown and its failure to act urgently on the Triple Zero crisis, these savage cuts are further evidence that this is a Budget which has betrayed all Australians.”

“In “Supporting Connectivity” in the Budget papers (BP2 p130), the government is shamefully not delivering one new dollar for connectivity other than $15 million to expand Auslan video relay services which will be paid through an increased levy on the telecommunications industry,” Senator Henderson said.

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Anne Webster said regional Australians are crying out for better connectivity.

“Australians need better connectivity right now, but this Budget has callously slashed funding for regional communications programs rather than increasing it,” Dr Webster said.

“Labor is all about the headlines but is just not serious about making tangible improvements in the regions.”

“The Albanese government’s so-called commitment to universal outdoor mobile coverage is deeply flawed, and won’t come into effect until the end of 2027, if the technology is ready by then. No funding has been committed for its implementation.”

“The Coalition is calling for practical measures which will keep regional Australians safe and connected. The axing of crucial funding to combat mobile black spots and support regional connectivity, as well as the Regional Tech Hub, shows Labor’s lack of commitment to the regions.”

“This is further evidence that Labor’s political agenda always takes precedence over governing for all Australians, no matter where they live,” Dr Webster concluded.

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