Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Davey for the question. I also commend her for her commitment to rural and regional Australia. The Morrison-McCormack government recognises the vital importance of mobile phone coverage to Australians living, working and travelling in regional and remote parts of our great nation. That's why we're delivering on our commitment to improve mobile coverage across Australia through our $380 million investment in mobile black spots.

The first five rounds of this program are funding over 1,200 mobile base stations across Australia. Over 800 base stations have been activated and are now delivering real benefits to regional and rural communities right across Australia. The Eden-Monaro communities of Rosewood, Forbes Creek and Yass River Road are examples of how these base stations are delivering better coverage for all Australians. Thirty-four mobile base stations have been funded in Eden-Monaro under the first five rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program. Twenty-two of these base stations have been completed and are now providing coverage to residents in the electorate.

In addition to the $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program, we are delivering $60 million to the Regional Connectivity Program—but there is yet more. Other initiatives to improve telecommunications for all Australians include a community focused telecommunications grants round, a digital technical hub to provide additional advice and assistance to Australians in regional and remote areas, and trials of alternative technologies that will provide voice telephony services in remote areas. These initiatives are all yet further evidence of the coalition government's unwavering commitment to Australians who live and work in regional, rural and remote areas of our great nation.