Labor welcomes today’s release of the Regional Telecommunications Review and acknowledges the calibre and efforts of the Committee chaired by the Hon Luke Hartsuyker.

Improving the quality and reliability of regional telecommunications is of fundamental importance for all Australian governments.

Reliable, quality, high speed internet is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is essential 21st century infrastructure. 

Families need reliable, fast connections for school and work, small businesses and entrepreneurs need it to stay competitive, regional communities need it for all those reasons and as a matter of safety.

What is clear is there remains much more that needs to be done in regional telecommunications.

Furthermore, COVID-19 will transform how and where Australians choose to live and work. The quality of our underlying digital infrastructure will be critical in supporting these choices and future growth.

Labor will review the findings and recommendations carefully, and engage with regional and industry stakeholders on the report.

MONDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2022