THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Federal Member for Maranoa
17 April 2026
Regional Tech Hub’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon David Littleproud MP, is calling on the Australian Government to urgently confirm funding for the Regional Tech Hub (RTH) — a free, independent service that has delivered connectivity support to more than 28,000 regional Australians in 2025 alone.
The RTH’s contract with the Federal Government expires on 30 June 2026. A decision on refunding will not be made until 13 May — after the federal budget — despite the existing contract containing two 12-month extension options that could have been exercised well before now.
Regional, rural and remote Australians depend on the RTH for free, trusted and practical advice to navigate Australia’s complex telecommunications landscape. Every day without certainty puts that service — and the communities who rely on it — at risk.
“The Regional Tech Hub is a lifeline for regional Australians who are already doing it tough when it comes to connectivity,” Mr Littleproud said.
Over 28,000 regional Australians turned to the RTH for help in 2025. There is no excuse for the Government to leave the RTH and our regional communities in limbo until after the budget. This is another example of the Albanese Labor Government treating regional Australia like second-class citizens.”
I am calling on the Federal Government to act now — exercise the extension option, confirm the funding, and give regional Australians the certainty they deserve.”
Background:
The Regional Tech Hub (RTH) is Australia’s free and independent source of telecommunications advice for regional, rural and remote communities. It provides personalised support to individuals, small businesses, community organisations and primary producers — all at no cost. It is run by the National Farmers’ Federation
Key facts:
• 28,007 one-one-one interactions with end users
• All support is provided free of charge and is available to regional, rural and remote communities
• The RTH’s current contract ends 30 June 2026
• The contract includes two 12-month extension options
• The Government has advised a refunding decision will not be made until 13 May 2026 — after the federal budget
