Communications Minister Stephen Conroy released a series of maps showing which towns and regions would receive the technology to hook them up to the $43bn National Broadband Network.
The Coalition, however, has repeated its stance that the scheme is too expensive, potentially costing $80bn, and that they would not proceed with it should they win power.
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And on the day that Kevin Rudd was admitted to hospital with a gall bladder complaint, at the tender age 52, Labor and the Coalition were busy outgunning each other on aged services and disability.
The Coalition is seeking to trump Labor by promising $314m to support school students with disabilities, as well as $2m to make 2012 the 'Year of Meals on Wheels', but has warned against expectations of “big dollars”.
However, the aged care sector has released a report calling for big increases in funding for the sector, saying it faces a critical bed shortage which must be addressed.
Before it was reported that he had fallen ill, Julia Gillard said that Kevin Rudd was "in the tent" campaigning for Labor. After announcing he had been admitted to hospital she added that she hoped he would be back on the national campaign trail soon.
Finally, former Australian Democrats leader and Labor MP Cheryl Kernot announced she was seeking a third political incarnation, running as an independent for the NSW Senate.
