Regional and rural telecommunications and connectivity

Question

1. The recent Budget has dramatically reduced terrestrial mobile infrastructure co-funding across the forward estimates. a. What analysis or data has the Department relied upon to justify significantly reducing terrestrial mobile infrastructure co-funding across the forward estimates? b. What analysis has the Department undertaken to determine the impact of this reduction in funding on regional, rural and remote communities? c. Noting this reduction, how does the Department see terrestrial infrastructure investment playing out over coming years? d. Why has the Government decided to effectively end the Mobile Black Spot Program when so many regional, rural and remote communities experience ongoing connectivity issues? 2. The federal Budget provided no new funding for regional connectivity which has shocked many Australians. a. What internal processes and evaluations informed the decision to reprioritise funding away from the Better Connectivity Plan and provide no new funding for regional connectivity? b. Were cost benefit analyses conducted examining the need for continued investment in regional connectivity? If so, please provide a copy. c. Did the Department consult with stakeholders (industry, regional communities, or state governments) prior to these decisions? d. Please provide all briefs or Ministerial advice underpinning these funding changes? 3. How does the decision not to provide any new funding for regional connectivity align with the Government's stated commitment to ''bridging the digital divide'' in regional Australia? 4. What are the Government's current measurable targets for regional connectivity outcomes, and how will they be achieved without new funding for regional connectivity? 5. Has the Department updated its performance metrics or KPIs in light of slashing programs and overall funding for regional connectivity? 6. What advice did the Department provide to the Minister about risks to regional equity and service access as a result of these decisions?