Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is under pressure to explain how a federal regional grants program “overwhelmingly” favoured Labor seats with the Coalition threatening to call an inquiry.
The Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, a key pillar of its pitch to regional Australia during the election, has come under scrutiny over the allocation of $40 million worth of grants.
“From the minister’s press releases it does appear that she has specified the 54 locations overwhelmingly in Labor electorates,” Mr Coleman said. “Of course she can clear that up if I’m wrong, she can hold a press conference and really explain what’s gone on here.” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said “the Mobile Coverage Round fulfils commitments the government took to the 2022 Federal Election to address mobile coverage issues in identified areas across the country.”
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