[Greens-Media] Greens push for regional broadband guarentee

Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam) Robert.Simms at aph.gov.au
Fri Dec 5 16:57:44 EST 2008


Friday, 5th December 2008

Greens push for regional broadband guarantee 


The Australian Greens say it's now up to the Federal Government to
guarantee comprehensive broadband coverage for regional Australia, after
the Senate last night voted to merge the now- defunct regional
communications fund with a new Building Australia Fund. 

"The Federal Government has abolished the existing $2 billion regional
communications fund and the government must assure regional Australia
this commitment to future-proof regional areas still remains," said the
Greens Communications Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam. 

The Greens voted with the Rudd Government in the Senate last night to
set up the Building Australia Fund but have been steadfast in arguing
that the Government must ensure broadband coverage for the regions. 

Senator Ludlam is concerned some of the tenderers for the National
Broadband Network are falling well short of the broad coverage promised.


"Before the election, Labor promised to provide broadband coverage to
98% of Australia, but now we have a situation where the corporations
tendering for the broadband contract are flagging the possibility of
falling short of this mark."

"For example, Telstra is contemplating leaving more than ten per cent of
the population out of the network and I'm concerned regional Australia
will remain within the broadband black spots."

"In remote and regional Australia broadband is integral for access to
employment, educational and social opportunities. These communities
shouldn't be left in the margins of the broadband network, and the
government needs to provide a guarantee that they won't be," said
Senator Ludlam. 


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/> 




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