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Katter welcomes farm connectivity funding
January 15, 2025
Katter's Australian Party (KAP) Federal Member Bob Katter has today acknowledged the federal government's efforts in providing an additional $20 million for the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) but has emphasised that while this initiative is a step in the right direction, it falls far short of addressing the fundamental issues facing farmers in rural and regional Australia.
"While I certainly commend Minister Rowland for recognising the importance of connectivity and investing in this ag-tech program, the truth is this is only part of the solution. We need to ensure that all farmers, particularly in remote areas, have access to reliable telecommunications and infrastructure across the board," Mr Katter said.
"I've had a constituent case recently where this person lives on an isolated cattle station with no service and no ability to call emergency services. Had this program been operating at the time, and the station had proper service, then perhaps her husband may not have lost his life."
Mr Katter also reiterated his longstanding opposition to the privatisation of Telstra, highlighting the continuing challenges it poses for rural Australians.
"Telstra should never have been privatised. In a perfect world, reliable phone lines and internet access would be as basic as water and power. Unfortunately, under the privatised system, that's not always the case for farmers in places like Julia Creek or stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria," he said.
"Anyone who thinks that when Mary Murgatroyd's phone breaks down in Julia Creek, she'll get it fixed quickly under the current system is kidding themselves. If we're serious about supporting our farmers and rural communities, we need to rethink the privatisation of our telecommunications network. Essential services like telecommunications should never be sold off."
Mr Katter said it was essential that Telstra honour its Universal Service Obligation (USO) and the legislation supporting it be amended to guarantee farmers and regional Australians receive the service they deserve.
"It is high time we put the USO back at the forefront of telecommunications policy. We need clear and definitive legislation to ensure Telstra is compelled to honour the USO and provide reliable, accessible service for all Australians—no matter how remote they are," Mr Katter said.
He pointed out that while programs like the OFCP help improve connectivity for ag-tech solutions, farmers still face significant hurdles in accessing basic services such as reliable phone and internet connections, which are essential not only for business but also for emergencies.
"We're seeing real benefits from this program, and I don't want to downplay that. But what's needed alongside it is a government that prioritises the basics—whether it's ensuring we have enough water for irrigation, energy for operations, or phone lines that can stay connected in weather events or a piece of equipment goes down," Mr Katter said.
Mr Katter said that he would continue to put pressure on the government to continue improving telecommunications across rural Australia, alongside their work on programs like the OFCP.
Applications for Round 3 of the OFCP will open in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program is also now open. Mr Katter is seeking constituents to advise him of their black spots before February 7.