[Greens-Media] Keep broadband in public hands

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Wednesday, 3 December 2008


Keep broadband in public hands


The Australian Greens say the Government must take a majority equity
stake in the National Broadband Network to ensure it's operated in the
public interest, as controversy regarding Telstra's bid continues. 

"Telstra has carefully cherry-picked from the government's project
objectives throughout the bidding process. It wants the $4.7 billion
dollars as a low interest loan, it will only cover 80 to 90% of the
government's promised 98% of the population and it wants regulations
governing competition watered down further," said the Greens
Communications Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.

"The progressive privatisation process mutated Telstra from a public
utility into an aggressive, litigious and self-interested private
corporation. If we needed another case study as to why you shouldn't
privatise essential services, here it is."

The Senator made the comments as he tabled a minority report on the
Government's Broadband Bill in the Senate. 

"The Government must hold its ground. If the Government caves into
Telstra's demands it risks delivering an expensive lemon to the
Australian people, with limited or non-existent regional coverage, and
with the interests of Telstra's shareholders continuing to take
precedence over the public interest."


For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302




Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>