2022-04-17
Media Release
The Greens have today announced a plan to provide free broadband internet access for one million households with a healthcare card, including carers, students, low-income families and the unemployed.
This will mean that all healthcare card holders will be able to access standard speed internet, at home, for free.
Everyone deserves to be able to access the internet, it’s critical for engaging with government services, healthcare and education - and can provide people with different working and social connection opportunities.
For many, being online is critical. The Greens are determined to ensure that no one is left offline.
Under the Liberals, the cost of living has gone through the roof, and public services have been sold off to big corporations. We need to make essential public services accessible for all.
The Greens believe that everyone should be able to afford to access the internet and will invest around $800 million a year over the next decade, and make billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax to pay for it.
Lines attributable to Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP:
“During the last two years of lockdowns, some families had to park outside the local library to access free internet so their kids could do their school work. That’s unacceptable.
“The pandemic has shown just how important the internet is. It’s critical connective infrastructure, and everyone deserves to be able to access it.
“But at a time when more people are having to rely on the internet to work, study, socialise, shop, and pay their bills, Australia’s digital divide is increasing.
“Everyone needs to be able to access online services. The cost of living has gone through the roof, but we can provide free internet for those doing it tough so everyone can access the basics.
“By making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax, we can ensure those doing it toughest can get NBN.
“No one should be left offline. We have all paid for the NBN, so it should be available to all.
“Under our plan, everyone will be able to access critical online services, find work, study and communicate - no matter what other challenges they are facing in life.
“Liberal and Labor just abandon people who are on low incomes. They won’t raise the rate of income support and they won’t ensure that essential services are universally available.
“We need to end the digital divide, and make things fairer, so no one is left offline.
More details to come:
Greens plan: Publicly owned, fit-for-purpose 21st Century Internet