Regional Queensland needs Federal LNP action on communications

The Federal LNP Government is letting down regional Queensland when it comes to telecommunications

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch has called on the Federal LNP Government to commit to improving the reliability of telecommunications networks in regional Queensland.

Ms Enoch said she shared the concerns of regional Queenslanders that lives could be put at risk through prolonged outages.

“We already know that regional mobile phone coverage in the state is patchy at best, but long term unavailability of landline services to Queenslanders in the regions is completely unacceptable,” Ms Enoch said.

“The recent weather conditions in the far north of the state are a timely reminder that the Federal Government needs to lift its game to ensure Queenslanders can call for help if they need it.

“I have spoken to Robbie Katter about the situation in his electorate and have written to Federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield to raise my concerns over loss of services.”

Ms Enoch said the Federal Government was letting down regional Queenslanders across the Communications portfolio.

“I have also been concerned by recent remarks from NBN Co. CEO Bill Morrow that it is ‘inevitable’ people living in the Mackay and Townsville region could ‘fall victim’ to having their landlines cut off due to the roll-out of the fibre network,” she said.

“The consequences of this could impact vital medical alarms, while also having an impact on small businesses through security alarms and ATMs.

“My question to Mitch Fifield is: What is he doing to ensure Queenslanders can rely on their services to work when they need them most?

“What we are seeing is a Federal LNP Government that is ignoring regional Queensland.

“Malcolm Turnbull is failing to provide opportunities for regional Queenslanders to innovate, compete in global markets, grow their businesses and create jobs.”

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