(1) On how many occasions has the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary requested a financial contribution from the State Governments to expand mobile phone coverage.

(2) In each case: (a) which State was asked to make a financial contribution; (b) when was the request made; (c) how was the request for financial assistance communicated; and (d) what was the quantum of the request.

(3) In each case, what was the response to the Government's request for funding to expand the mobile phone network.

(1) I am advised that such a request appears to have been made on one occasion only. The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts wrote to Premiers and Chief Ministers of the States and Territories on 24 May 2001 advising that the Government would be seeking equal funding to that being provided by the Commonwealth under the $50.5 million program to improve mobile phone coverage announced on 15 May 2001 as part of the Government's response to the Telecommunications Service Inquiry. Indicative levels of Commonwealth financial contribution for extension of mobile coverage in each State and Territory were discussed at the Online Council Ministers Meeting held on 6 July 2001 and States and Territories were asked to respond by 27 July to the Commonwealth's request for equal contributions.

(2) (a) All States and Territories were asked to make a financial contribution.

(b) By letter of 24 May 2001 and Online Council discussion on 6 July 2001.

(c) See answer to (b) above.

(c) Indicative levels of State and Territory contributions requested are: New South Wales $13.97 million; Queensland $12.26 million; Victoria $8.15 million; Western Australia $8.14 million (including the $7 million already committed under the WirelesSWest program); South Australia $3.39 million; Northern Territory $2.46 million; Tasmania $1.48 million; Australian Capital Territory $0.05 million.

(3) The Government is waiting for final responses from State and Territory Governments.