The Albanese Labor Government have questions to answer about today’s announcement by Telstra and Optus that they will further delay the closure of their 3G networks, the Member for Mallee and Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Dr Anne Webster MP said today.

“For four months I have publicly called for Telstra and Optus to delay the 3G shutdown because many residents across Mallee are stressed about not being able use health alert devices or farm technology that remains 3G-dependent. The elderly, farmers, motorists and communities need a guarantee that services will continue,” Dr Webster said.

“As the Coalition have been highlighting for months, the Government was too slow to act on the warning signs, and significant responsibility for the delay lies with the Communications Minister.

“The Government was clearly disinterested in the issue and were seen to be washing their hands on what has been an untidy, last-minute scramble as the shutdown deadline loomed.

An IT expert told the recent Senate inquiry into the 3G shutdown that he wrote to the Communications Minister in June last year to warn her about risks of 4G phones being unable to call triple zero. Optus was also highlighting problems to the Government, back in July.

The Senate inquiry also heard powerful evidence about the risks of the shutdown to people with various devices, including medical and fire alarms.

Telstra and Optus have today confirmed they will delay the shutdown of their 3G networks until 28 October. Telstra had been due to shut down its 3G network in about two weeks, while Optus was due to follow in September.

“I welcome the plans which Telstra and Optus have announced, including a public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network,” Dr Webster said.

“The Senate inquiry report recommended the Communications Minister use her powers, if guarantees are not given of continuity of service for current 3G reliant devices, to force those guarantees to be given.  The question remains, will the Minister use her powers and show strength so that regional Australians are not abandoned yet again by the Albanese Labor Government? Why have they taken so long to act?”