Deputy Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud has condemned Telstra for ‘turning their back on basic services in the bush’, but its a truth that locals from around the Western Plains already knew all too well. 

Mr Littleproud cited the issues of residents across regional Australia who have had lives on the line, the quality of internet and phone connection unable to meet the needs of already isolated Australians.

“Telstra’s leadership has turned their backs on regional Australia, making them the forgotten Australians and leaving them in a dangerous position,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Telstra is simply putting profits ahead of people with regional Australians left vulnerable to a subclass network and “Telstra is Why”,” he said.

It’s an issue that last year’s Regional Telecommunications Review was tasked with investigating, hearing about the experiences of Australians around the country when it comes to connectivity issues. 

Chair of the Review Luke Hartsuyker said that reliable telecommunications are an essential part of life in regional, rural and remote Australia, something that became evident in recent bushfires, floods, and cyclones. 

“There has been a step change in the demand for telecommunications, and this requires a step change in the policies and programs which support the delivery of telecommunications services in the bush,” Mr Hartsuyker said. 

“There is a new paradigm in the way we use telecommunications and Australia will be relying even more on digital connectivity as it strives to become a leading digital economy. Regional Australia will play a vital part in meeting this goal.” 

The Warren Shire Council’s submission cited significant issues with mobile reception in the shire within their submission to the review. 

“If you drive seven kilometres out of the main town of Warren without an expensive booster system on your motor vehicle, your smart phone does not work,” Walgett Shire Council General Manager Gary Woodman reported. 

While Warren has often been referred to as a ‘Telstra shire’ - as many shires around the Western Plains are - Mr Woodman said that responses from the telco to requests to improve the service have been mute. 

“Warren Shire, like all other rural communities, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, would like to attract city dwellers who are looking for a tree change and a different style of living. However those same people will require the same type and level of services that they are currently receiving in the larger cities of Australia,” Mr Woodman said.

“The financial pressures of typical Local Government infrastructure and services will never allow a Council like Warren Shire Council to contribute to telecommunication facilities. These costs have to be borne by higher levels of government on behalf of the whole community,” Mr Woodman said. 

Mr Littleproud said that a number of near-death experiences based on connectivity issues have been a testament to the declining quality of the services. 

“Telstra is hiding behind national averaging of complaint resolutions that relies on numbers in urban and suburban Australia,” Mr Littleproud said. 

The 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review report that is supposed to inform new policy around regional communications is expected to be released in 2022.