Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman has welcomed the Auditor-General’s response to his request for the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to carry out an investigation into Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.
Mr Coleman sought the investigation after Communications Minister Michelle Rowland personally selected all 54 sites to receive support under the program.
Seventy-four per cent of funding for mobile black spots had gone to Labor electorates despite the ALP holding only a third of seats in regional areas. All 30 sites chosen in NSW and Victoria were in Labor seats.
The Auditor-General has now written to Mr Coleman to advise that:
“I have considered your request and think that there is merit in including a potential audit topic on Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program in the work program.”
The Auditor-General said the 2023-24 work program is expected to be published on the ANAO website in early July 2023.
Mr Coleman said the selection of the Labor seats for support by the Communications Minister was a shameful mis-use of taxpayer funds.
“The Albanese Government has been caught red-handed in this politically-biased operation,” Mr Coleman said.
“I am very encouraged by Auditor-General’s response. This is a very serious matter that warrants a full investigation.”
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Federal Member for Banks
Shadow Minister for Communications