Question Time Response – Keeping the NBN in public hands

Question – Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour

My question is to the Minister for Communications. What has been the community's response to the Government's commitment to keep the National Broadband Network in public ownership? What is the Government doing to provide affordable accessible high-speed broadband for Australians and what are the alternative positions that have been proposed?

Answer – Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland: 

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Member for her question. I know she is pleased that more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Alice Springs can now order a full fibre upgrade on the NBN thanks to strong investment under the Albanese Government. 

Mr Speaker, Labor founded the National Broadband Network for fast, reliable, affordable broadband to all Australians, irrespective of where they live. Only by keeping the NBN in public ownership can that vision continue to be delivered. Mr Speaker, it is not just the Government that supports this policy. The regions support it. Mayor Kim Anderson from Flinders Ranges Council said, 'I support the Australian government in keeping the NBN in public ownership. I think it is more than fair to say that Privatisation of essential services does no favour to Australia”.  Carol Bennet said “Retaining public ownership of this critical asset will provide opportunity for improvement in the communications services Australians need in the future”. The workers support it. Shane Murphy, the CW National President, said 'Workers breathe a sigh of relief knowing their jobs won't be on the chopping block because of privatisation'. The industry supports it. Michael Venta from Optus, the CEO says, 'Optus welcomes the legislation to keep the NBN in public hands. Keeping this critical asset under government ownership is likely the best approach for consumers and provide a welcome level of certainty to the sector'.

Mr Speaker, the Albanese Government's position on the NBN is crystal clear - it is not for sale. In 2021 we made a commitment to retain the NBN in public ownership, keep broadband affordable and keep building a world class network. In 2022, we formalised this in a new statement about the NBN. Yesterday, we introduced legislation to enshrine this position in law. The Opposition has had three years to give their position on the NBN and to answer a simple question - will you preserve the NBN in public ownership or will you flog it off? Yesterday they finally revealed their hand, when a Liberal MP confirmed that privatisation was always part of their plan. When asked if the NBN should be privatised the answer was, “it has always been in the contemplation that it would be privatised.” Australians have a clear choice Mr Speaker, to keep the NBN in public ownership or under those opposite, have it flogged off.