media release

 

The Coalition would shut down the National Broadband Network (NBN), disadvantaging local homes, businesses, schools and hospitals, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said today.

 

Senator Conroy was in Launceston to discuss how the National Broadband Network would benefit Tasmanians, including residents in Scottsdale who are among the first in Australia to benefit.

 

He was joined by Labor Candidate for Bass, Geoff Lyons, and Tasmanian Senator Helen Polley.

 

The Government established NBN Tasmania to roll out and operate the NBN in Tasmania and the first customers are already online in the communities of Scottsdale, Smithton and Midway Point.

 

However, Tony Abbott opposes key investments Australia needs to modernise and move forward, and plans to shut down the National Broadband Network.

 

“These communities have until now, experienced some of the slowest, most expensive broadband in the country and Federal Labor is changing that,” Senator Conroy said.

 

“Around 60 per cent of residents in Scottsdale have already signed up to have the fibre connected to their home or business.

 

“This region leads the country in benefiting from the economic and social transformation the NBN will bring such as more healthcare options, better educational opportunities for Tasmanian kids and connecting local businesses to international markets.”

 

Labor’s Candidate for Bass, Geoff Lyons, said Tony Abbott had made clear the NBN would be shut down if he became Prime Minister.

 

“Tony Abbott needs to explain to Bass residents outside Scottsdale, Smithton and Midway Point, why they don’t deserve affordable, high speed broadband,” Geoff Lyons said.   

 

“Under a Gillard Labor Government, every Tasmanian home, business, school and hospital will have access to world-class broadband.”

 

In March, the Government announced an equity injection of $100 million to support the rollout of the NBN in Tasmania. NBN Tas is focused on the next seven communities to receive the NBN, including George Town.

 

Detailed planning is underway and NBN Tas will shortly begin liaising with local councils ahead of construction in the coming months.

 

In March, the Government also announced an additional 90,000 premises would receive fibre in four more communities, as part of the next stage of the rollout, including 30,000 premises in Launceston.

 

Senator Helen Polley said the Tasmanian Liberals understood the importance of broadband and they should talk to their Federal Coalition colleagues.

 

“Unlike Tony Abbott, Mr Hodgman understands the NBN is a great investment for Tasmania and to shut it down would be a backward step,” Senator Polley said.