The farce of the Coalition’s opposition to Labor’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) continues, with three conflicting positions over the past week.

• The Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce MP, raced out of the blocks to welcome the proposal;
• Peter Dutton’s office then approved a train-wreck statement from his Shadow Communications Minister, Melissa McIntosh MP, opposing UOMO;
• On Friday 28 February, a cross-parliamentary Senate inquiry, chaired by Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, released a report on the 3G switchover recommending the acceleration of Direct to Handset (D2D) capability in Australia.

UOMO will provide public safety benefits that only a Labor Government will deliver and will make Australia the most connected continent.

The opposition of Dutton and his Shadow Minister presents a risk to regional and disaster-prone communities, including during any prolonged power disruption.

Questions must be asked: Why did the Opposition move so quickly to oppose this proposal? Who exactly influenced their position?

The Albanese Government will not leave Australians to fend for themselves in the face of natural disasters and emergencies.

BACKGROUND:

The level of stakeholder support for UOMO continues to grow:

• The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
• National Farmers’ Federation
• GrainGrowers
• Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee
• NSW Rural Fire Service
• Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote (BIRRR)
• Optus and TPG
• First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group
• Parliamentary crossbenchers; and
• A growing number of regional councils