This statement flows from association concern over future funding arrangements for rural telecommunications, following the passing of legislation last night that will see the dispersal of rural Australia’s $2 billion Communications Fund.

Association president Jock Laurie says that while the association knew of the government’s intention to roll the Communications Fund into the Building Australia Fund, the passing of the legislation has raised concerns about the potential impact of services.

“The Federal Minister for Broadband, Senator Stephen Conroy, addressed the association’s executive council in March this year and stated that telecommunication is integral to Australian life, and farming is no exception,” Mr Laurie said.

“The association now calls on the Minister to indicate how telecommunications will be maintained and improved in rural and regional Australia."

The association has long advocated the key role of telecommunications in lifting rural Australia onto a level playing field with those in the big metropolitan cities.

"The Communications Fund was originally enshrined in legislation to ensure telecommunication technology in regional Australia was continually upgraded, particularly in areas that would otherwise not be viable for private investors,” Mr Laurie said.

“The Federal Government must illustrate how it will maintain regular reviews into rural telecommunication needs.

"It must illustrate how it will maintain and improve infrastructure and how it will ensure a guaranteed funding source for subsidy programs, such as the Australian Broadband Guarantee for rural Australians."