Access to reliable and affordable telecommunications infrastructure is crucial to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of Australians living in rural and remote communities. Further, it is apparent now more than ever that connectedness is critical to the accessibility and delivery of individualised and comprehensive health care solutions throughout the country. Indeed, the rollout and extension of telehealth services and rebates, following COVID-19-related restrictions on movement, underscores the importance of digital solutions in overcoming the combined effects of health crises and physical isolation. While, in the context of COVID-19, the consequences of physical isolation have been felt across Australia, it is important to remember that isolation and inadequate access to health care are challenges which are faced by rural and remote communities on a daily basis.
