Senator JOYCE (2:37 PM) —My question is to the minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan. Will the minister advise the Senate of the importance of broadband in boosting the export potential of regional Australia? What is the Liberal-National government’s commitment to targeted investment in broadband to further close the gap between country and city? Is the minister aware of any alternative policies on this issue, which is critical to the productivity of non-metropolitan businesses in Australia?

Senator COONAN (Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) —I acknowledge Senator Joyce’s question and his ongoing interest in the very important matter of the provision of broadband services throughout Australia.

Opposition senators interjecting—

Senator COONAN —Not only Senator Joyce but also everyone on this side of the chamber is interested in telecommunications issues for consumers. If the opposition would like to listen to this answer they might actually learn something. Broadband internet access is not just an issue of relevance for capital cities. Broadband is an important tool—and we all acknowledge that—for Australians doing business, studying and participating in their communities, irrespective of where they live. That is why we in the Howard government have committed ourselves so strongly to connecting all Australians through the Connect Australia package. We know that the existence of broadband simply makes the difference to people being able to live and work and study and keep in touch with their communities in rural and regional Australia.

The Australian Local Government Association’s State of the regions report, which was released this week, adds support to the government’s policy. It concludes that greater penetration of broadband in regional Australia will significantly boost the nation’s export potential. In August the Australian government committed a further $1 billion to extend broadband availability in regional Australia because we recognise the importance of providing broadband to all Australians, irrespective of where they live. In the past year alone, more than 800 regional and rural towns have been connected to terrestrial broadband services. That is a direct result of government subsidies. More than 600,000 homes and small businesses in rural areas can access broadband that was not available just 12 months ago.

There are now more than 10,000 subsidised satellite services in operation in more remote areas. Using a competitive market and targeted subsidies, the government is simply closing the gap between metro and regional take-up. Two years ago broadband take-up in regional areas was just five per cent. In metro areas it was 11 per cent. Today’s regional take-up is running at 19 per cent and in metro areas it is 21 per cent. During the 12 months to June 2005 the number of broadband subscribers more than doubled. That is more than a million new customers connected to broadband in one year. This lifted Australia to eighth place on the OECD league table in terms of growth in broadband take-up. There are now more than 2.1 million broadband subscribers in Australia.

Opposition senators interjecting—

Senator COONAN —I am sure Senator Joyce would be interested in the sort of response we see from the Labor Party on these issues. I can say without being contradicted that there is nothing of substance whatsoever. After almost a decade in opposition Labor still has no plans for telecommunications—not a clue about looking after consumers who need telecommunications services. Australia’s 2.1 million broadband subscribers must be thanking their lucky stars that they have not been left to the devices of the Labor Party, who wanted to mandate a $5 billion program to give people dial-up services. There are commercial trials up to 100 times faster now being rolled out. The Labor Party’s approach to communications is an absolute disgrace. The Howard government remains committed to connecting Australians to the broadband services they need, irrespective of where they live.

Senator JOYCE —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I could not hear over the noise in the chamber. Minister, could you clarify: are you aware of any alternative policies or is it the case that there are no alternative policies? I could not hear. It is very important that we know of alternative policies.

The PRESIDENT —I have ruled on this before. If you are asking about alternative policies it is not a supplementary question.

Senator Ian Campbell —Mr President, I rise on a point of order. Senator Joyce was relating directly to his substantive question. Quite frankly, I could not hear the answer and I was sitting next to the minister for communications.

Opposition senators interjecting—

Senator Ian Campbell —Mr President, they need to be brought to order so that we can hear our minister answer the senator’s question. Senator Joyce comes from Queensland and he wants to hear an answer to an important question. This rabble opposite will not allow us to hear the answer.

The PRESIDENT —Order! Resume your seat, Senator. I do not need advice from you, thank you.