Senator JOYCE (Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (2:00 PM) —My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Does the minister remember that he said in his statement on Sky News’s Agenda this morning, ‘The National Broadband Network is not mentioned in the bill that’s being debated before the parliament’? Was this statement correct?

Senator CONROY (Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) —I am pleased to say that Senator Joyce has donned his clown suit for question time—

The PRESIDENT —Senator Conroy, just answer the question.

Senator CONROY —Thank you. We are in a situation here where Senator Joyce seeks to completely misrepresent. I invite Senator Joyce to actually read the substance of the bill. Take all the time you need and read the bill, because the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2010 is a fundamental and historic microeconomic reform and is in Australia’s long-term national interest. The reforms are designed to reshape regulation in the telecommunications sector in the interests of consumers, business—

Honourable senators interjecting—

The PRESIDENT —Senator Conroy, it might help if you resume your seat for a moment. When there is silence in the chamber we will proceed.

Senator CONROY —The matters that relate to the NBN in the CCS bill are designed to give industry the legislative certainty to make a smooth transition to the National Broadband Network environment. The bill is describing a deal between Telstra and the NBN. It is not about the NBN. Let us be very clear. It is about a deal between the two companies.

Senator Joyce —Mr President, I rise on a point of order on relevance. Was his statement that he made on Sky’s Agenda this morning—that the National Broadband Network is not mentioned in the bill—correct?

The PRESIDENT —There is no point of order. I believe the minister is answering.

Senator CONROY —As I was saying, the matters that relate to the NBN in the CCS bill are designed to give industry the legislative certainty to make a smooth transition to the National Broadband Network. I can understand those opposite wanting to try to create some colour and movement today. They tried to defeat the CCS bill in the other place and they lost. They tried to get a cost-benefit analysis up in the other place and they lost. Then, just a few minutes ago in this chamber, they tried to gag debate on this bill. (Time expired)

Senator JOYCE —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. A second reading speech by Minister Albanese in the other chamber stated:

Was this statement correct?

Senator CONROY (Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) —Yes, the bill sets out a deal that NBN are involved in between Telstra and the NBN. It is not about the National Broadband Network. The bill has nothing to do with the NBN. It is about a deal between the NBN Co. company and Telstra. But, as I was saying, just a short time ago in this chamber they tried to block debate on this bill yet again and they lost. Three times they have now tried to block this bill and block the rollout of the National Broadband Network and three times they have lost. I can understand that they want to come in here and create some colour and movement to hide the fact that the parliament continues to take the enlightened view about the future. (Time expired)

Senator JOYCE —Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. If the minister does not know that the NBN was actually mentioned in his bill, if he is not aware of what Mr Albanese in the other place said about this bill, if he is not prepared to table the business plan for this bill and if he is not prepared to send it to the Productivity Commission for more forensic analysis, can we trust him to set up a $43 billion organisation, or is he just $43 billion out of his depth?

Senator CONROY (Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) —As I said, Senator Joyce has come in here to help try to create a bit of cover for the fact that those opposite have lost three key votes in a row. You are on a roll, Rumpole! Three strikes you have had. Each and every attempt that those opposite have made in the last week to block the rollout of the National Broadband Network has failed, as it deservedly should.

Senator Ronaldson interjecting—

Senator CONROY —I will take that interjection from the shadow minister for veterans’ affairs.

The PRESIDENT —Senator Conroy, you are to ignore interjections and address the question that is before the chair—and address the chair.

Senator CONROY —You are right; I should not be provoked by the shadow minister for veterans’ affairs. I accept your guidance. But let us be clear; the people— (Time expired)