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Thursday, 23 June 2011
Page: 3712

National Broadband Network

Senator CAMERON (New South Wales) (14:06): My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Can the minister advise the Senate on any recent announcements regarding the future of the National Broadband Network?

Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:07): I thank Senator Cameron for his ongoing interest in this policy area. Today is a historic day. It represents the holy grail of telecom­muni­cations reform. It represents real change for the sector, with real competition resulting in a better deal for all consumers. This morning, Telstra and NBN Co. announced that they had signed the definitive agree­ments on the rollout of the National Broadband Network. The definitive agreements will allow for a cheaper, more efficient rollout of the NBN—

Honourable senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT: Order! I need to hear the answer and there are two senators, one on either side, having a discussion. If they need to have a discussion they are entitled to go outside, but cease having the discussion now, please.

Senator CONROY: It will see Australians experience the NBN sooner and faster. It will accelerate the government's delivery of superfast broadband to all Australians no matter where they live across our vast country. The signing of the docu­ments also represents a watershed in tele­communications industry reform, providing the impetus for the structural separation of Telstra—a critical reform that will finally enable real competition.

Just over 12 months ago, we signed the financial heads of agreements. Whilst it has taken a while to get to this position, we now have a legally binding agreement that will see Telstra progressively structurally separated by decommissioning its copper network and broadband HFC network capability during the NBN rollout. Before the definitive agreements can be considered by Telstra and the government, they need to receive ACCC approval. Today's deal, along with the recent announcements of the Silcar contract and the Ericsson fixed wireless— (Time expired)

Senator CAMERON (New South Wales) (14:06): Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Given the many exciting developments with the NBN, can the minister provide the Senate with any further information regarding the National Broadband Network rollout?

Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:06): Today truly is a milestone day for the Australian tele­communications industry. There was also an announcement this morning that NBN Co. and Optus had signed an agreement that will see Optus decommission its HFC network and progressively transfer its customers to the NBN. Optus has also agreed to a fixed line network preference in favour of the NBN within the HFC footprint subject to certain minor exceptions. I said this morning that Optus had been supportive of the NBN from day one, and they have. This deal, which will also be subject to ACCC review, will help make the superior technology of the NBN available to Optus HFC customers as soon as possible. (Time expired)

Senator CAMERON (New South Wales) (14:06): Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister advise the Senate on the consequences of any misguided attempts to dismantle the NBN?

Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:06): As we all know, the opposition led by Mr Abbott is a policy-free zone. How do we know this? How do we know the opposition prefer spend over substance? Senator Minchin, who in his last question time deserves a mention, effectively confirmed to the press that he had advised Mr Abbott that the coalition was guilty of not supporting good policy. I have always known that Senator Minchin has had his moments of peace and clarity, and this must have been one of those times. Clearly, the NBN is a great example of good policy that should be supported. What I can say to you, Mr President, is that we on this side of the chamber do support good public policy. We will continue to advocate strongly for reforms, and this includes rolling out fast but fairly priced broadband to all Australians. (Time expired)