Country Australia should come first with National Broadband Network plan

A significant focus towards non metropolitan areas is needed if the Rudd Government’s proposed multi-billion dollar National Broadband Network is to deliver a fair deal for country Australians, NSW Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash said today. Senator Nash’s comments followed the release today of the Select Committee on the National Broadband Network’s Interim Report. “Four of the report’s conclusions in relation to roll-in, coverage area, open access and the regulatory framework, raised real concerns for regional and rural Australia,” Senator Nash said. “First, we believe in roll-in rather than roll-out – that is to say that homes and businesses that are currently most disadvantaged should be prioritised for initial deployment, with infrastructure subsequently rolled-in towards the cities.” “Second, we need to ensure the Government’s promised 98 per cent coverage applies to the geographical area not population, otherwise a very large number of country people will miss out.” “Thirdly we need clearly defined open access arrangements. Otherwise, whoever builds the infrastructure will potentially have a monopoly on the network. Service delivery will clearly be poorer without competition.” “Fourthly, the Government is yet to establish a regulatory framework. This should have been done prior to the Request for Proposals process, both to give certainty to proponents and deliver a transparent regulatory framework for the proposed broadband network.” “We are talking about investing $4.7 billion of taxpayers’ money – including country taxpayers’ money – into the National Broadband Network.” “The Government needs to listen to and act on the views of Senators as expressed in the Interim Report in order to be in a position to deliver a 21st century Broadband which will benefit all Australians,” Senator Nash concluded. Media contact: Murray Lees 0417 406 338

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