Throsby MP Stephen Jones has been promoted to a new role Labor’s shadow ministry, with Bill Shorten announcing on Wednesday that the Illawarra politician had been appointed spokesman for regional communications.
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Mr Jones said he was “honoured” by the appointment and would “stand up for regional Australia, which has been left behind by the Abbott/Turnbull Government”.
“Too many people across Australia, including in my electorate of Throsby... struggle to get adequate phone reception at work and at home,” he said.
“The government has built expectations about improving black spot coverage but many communities continue to miss out and this isn’t good enough.”
He said he would work closely with Shadow Communications Minister Jason Clare, making one of his major priorities to deliver fast and reliable 21st century broadband to rural, regional and remote Australia.
“Unfortunately, improving communications infrastructure in the bush just hasn’t been a priority for the Coalition,” he said.
Mr Jones will also retain his existing role as Labor’s assistant health spokesman.