Vaile Welcomes Increase in Regional Broadband Funding

The Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals, Mark Vaile, today welcomed the announcement of an additional $50 million to the Higher Bandwidth Incentive Scheme (HiBIS) committed to continuing broadband connection in rural and regional Australia today.

Mr Vaile said “I have been advocating for some time the importance of improving broadband access across regional Australia to ensure that businesses in regional areas are able to compete on an even footing in the competitive business environment.

“This latest funding announcement reinforces The Nationals focus, to achieve the services, standards and availability of modern telecommunications that those in metropolitan Australia take for granted. Those in regional Australia must have access to current and future telecommunications technology.

“This announcement is another step toward The Nationals goal of future proofing telecommunications in regional Australia. We must ensure that those living in non metropolitan areas maintain the competitive edge they require by accessing the most up to date technology available.

“We also need to ensure that our telecommunications infrastructure is also capable of servicing our needs now and into the future.

This funding increase will continue the expansion of broadband that 600 regional communities have enjoyed in the past 12 months. The Australian Government has now committed to over $1 billion in regional Australia.

“If we expect our nation to be efficient and competitive on the global stage, we need to ensure that these services are delivered. The Nationals are committed to that goal regardless of who owns Telstra,” Mr Vaile said.

Contact: Mr Vaile's office 02 6277 7420 - DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555