The Albanese Labor Government has delivered another devastating blow to regional Australia, confirming it will cut funding to the Regional Tech Hub from 30 June 2026.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Lachlan Hunter MP has slammed the decision, saying it proves Labor continues to treat regional communications as an afterthought.
“First Labor scrapped the dedicated Regional Communications Minister role, now they are shutting down one of the only practical services helping people in the bush deal with ongoing phone and internet issues,” Mr Hunter said.
“This is a direct attack on regional communities who already suffer unreliable telecommunications, black spots, dropped calls and poor internet coverage.”
The Regional Tech Hub has provided critical support for regional Australians navigating complex telecommunications systems, helping families, farmers, small businesses and seniors improve connectivity and resolve ongoing service failures.
Mr Hunter said the decision was deeply disappointing, particularly given the importance of telecommunications during emergencies, harvest, business operations, education and healthcare.
“In regional WA, communications are not a luxury. They are essential infrastructure.”
“People in the city take reliable service for granted, but in the bush we are still fighting for basic connectivity. Instead of improving services, Labor is walking away.”
Mr Hunter said he had written directly to Federal Minister Anika Wells calling on the Government to reverse the decision and commit ongoing funding to the service.
“As someone who helped advocate for the establishment and rollout of the Regional Tech Hub, I find this decision offensive to regional Australians.”
“This Government loves announcing reviews, strategies and glossy policies for the regions, but when it comes time to actually back regional communities with funding, they disappear.”
“The bush is once again paying the price for Labor’s city-centric priorities.”
