The Australian National Audit Office will investigate the Albanese Labor Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program Round 6 funding after it targeted funding to Labor seats in the election and left electorates like Mallee out.

In Victoria, Labor seats McEwen, Bendigo and Corangamite all benefitted from Communications Minister Michelle Rowland’s hand-picked funding – while Mallee missed out.

“Phone connection is a real issue for many parts of Mallee, which has some of the most isolated localities in the state,” Member for Mallee Anne Webster said.

“Constituents regularly call my office having trouble with phone service. It is a matter of safety for people in our towns and on our farms who have poor coverage.”

Minister Rowland selected Labor electorates for 74 per cent of funding grants in the Round nationwide, despite Labor representing only one third of regional electorates who often experience the worst of mobile coverage.

New South Wales also saw 100 per cent of funding go to Labor-held electorates.

“It is insulting to the people of Mallee and Regional Australia that they are being ignored by a Labor Government intent on looking after its own,” Dr Webster said.

The ANAO is due to report its findings by May 2024.