The Cowper electorate is the best example of the so-called digital divide being created by the NBN.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The federal shadow minister for communication Michelle Rowland visited the region on a 24-hour whirlwind visit on Monday and says NBN connectivity and reliability were key topics within the electorate.
Ms Rowland visited Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey and Port Macquarie during the visit and was accompanied by ALP candidate for Cowper Andrew Woodward.
"We talk about the digital divide that is being created and the Mid North Coast is the greatest real life example of a region where you have so many disparate types of technologies and experiences," she said.
"It goes from great - “I'm growing my business” and “this is fabulous” - to those who are absolutely frustrated with what they have got.
"It beggars belief that in 2018 we not only have a lack of proper connectivity but we've got such inequality being generated.
"For the ALP, the biggest issue is speed and reliability. That can be partly addressed through policy and we have recently announced an NBN service guarantee.
"Time is money when you are without connectivity and there needs to be higher penalties where small business is involved.
"On the other hand, there is a big issue about choice. Clearly there needs to be a pathway upgrade to a level that people expect," she said.
On the other hand, there is a big issue about choice. Clearly there needs to be a pathway upgrade to a level that people expect.
- Michelle Rowland
Ms Rowland said the ALP's original plan was for fibre to the premises with 93 percent of Australians covered.
As a former deputy mayor, Ms Rowland said her discussions with council staff on Tuesday morning including a discussion on sustainable federal government funding for local government.
She saw some clear issues for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council including managing the "great growth coming through population and the challenges of older residents and younger families".
"People make lifestyle decisions about where they live but they also have expectations of a certain quality of life as well, which is quite fundamental," she added.
Ms Rowland pinpointed jobs and jobs growth as a major issue for Cowper in the upcoming federal election.
She said there was a real lack of a coordinated jobs policy that was holding back growth opportunities for the electorate.
The shadow minister also weighed into the discussion over the possible merger of Nine and Fairfax Media.
"There are no legislative measures that we can take but people will be watching how this plays out," she said.
“It is a matter for the ACCC. (The planned merger) could be a time of change for existing regional publications.
"What are we going to see in relation to diversity in voices in regional centres?"
Ms Rowland also said an elected Labor government would reverse a Scott Morrison decision to cut a further $84m from the ABC's budget.
"We don't want to see those cuts and we will move to a sustainable funding path for the ABC," she said.
"People are furious the government is continuing to attack the ABC at a number of levels."
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.