The Greens say the Federal Government must only award the tender for its broadband plan to a company that guarantees coverage in the regions, following the announcement of Telstra's exclusion this morning.
"In opposition Labor promised to provide broadband coverage to 98% of Australia - yet we've had a situation where Telstra was expressing interest in the network but talking about leaving more than ten per cent of the population out in the cold. "
Telstra reported to the Australian Securities Exchange this morning that it had been excluded as its tender did not meet some of the project requirements.
"In remote and regional Australia in particular, broadband infrastructure is essential for access to employment, educational and
social opportunities. The Government has a responsibility to protect the interests of these communities."
"The best outcome would be for the government to take a majority equity stake in the National Broadband Network to ensure it's operated in the public interest," concluded 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/>