Northern Metropolitan Region
Adem SOMYUREK (Northern Metropolitan) (12:54): (1049) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Government Services in regard to the Connecting Victoria program. My office has been approached by many constituents in Donnybrook’s new estates, complaining about their telephone reception. While I understand telecommunications is pretty much a federal issue, the state government nonetheless does have programs in place to help alleviate some of the black spot problems. Reliable phone and wireless connectivity are not just conveniences but necessities in the modern world, especially in outer suburbs. They are vital for maintaining social connections, ensuring access to emergency services and supporting remote work and education. It is just not acceptable for my constituents to drive outside of their estates at 3 o’clock in the morning to get to an area where they actually have telephone reception or reception to conduct business. So I ask the minister to take action to ensure that my constituents are connected as soon as possible.