In 2025, reliable internet isn't a luxury – it's essential infrastructure. Yet across our Peninsula, from Hastings to Rye, residents and businesses struggle with patchy connections, mobile black spots, and internet speeds that belong in the dial-up era.

I've sat with small business owners who drive to McDonald's car parks to send important emails, students who can't complete online assignments at home, and seniors who can't access telehealth appointments because their connections keep dropping out. During bushfire season, these connectivity gaps become more than inconveniences – they're public safety hazards that leave communities vulnerable when they need information most.

As I detail in my policy on regional funding - I'll fight:

• To reclassify our region to unlock federal funding for mobile black spot programs 
• For targeted NBN upgrades for underserved communities
• For essential service standards that ensure no Peninsula resident is left offline. 

Having helped countless community members navigate digital exclusion, I understand this isn't just about convenience – it's about equal opportunity, economic participation, and community safety in an increasingly digital world.