Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

'Public ownership': two simple words but they mean so much, particularly for those of us on this side of the chamber. The NBN is one of Labor's greatest achievements, so it's only right that Labor introduces this bill to ensure it remains in public ownership. Indeed, on one level, it is lamentable that this bill even needs to be introduced in the first place. Given the importance of the NBN to all Australians, keeping it in public ownership really should be non-controversial, but we know only too well the form those opposite have on matters such as these. They have a long and sorry history of being the enemy of public ownership. Given half a chance, they would sell the NBN off in a jiffy to a foreign interest or the highest bidder, placing the interest of everyday Australians a poor second to corporate greed. Worse still, such a move could potentially compromise our national sovereignty and security, so it's timely this matter comes before us to ensure the public ownership of the NBN into the future.

The importance of the availability to all Australians of the NBN was evident during COVID. Families in Werriwa were struggling with accessibility and availability when everyone was suddenly working and being educated at home. Public ownership will ensure that the government can make the NBN available to all Australians. The Albanese government is 100 per cent committed to keeping the NBN in public ownership. This government is ensuring that modern, accessible and affordable communication services are available for all Australians without the ongoing threat of privatisation. Further, public ownership will ensure ongoing regulatory oversight of the NBN wholesale pricing, keeping broadband affordable for all Australians. When cost-of-living pressures are front and centre, the last thing Australians need to face is monopoly powers forcing up the price of broadband services.

The bill will amend the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011 to ensure as an explicit requirement that the NBN will be preserved in public ownership. It will do this by removing the current conditions for terminating government ownership of the NBN by repealing most of part 3 of the NBN act. Labor's commitment to this end should come as no surprise given our commitment through the statement of expectations issued in 2022.

The NBN is without doubt one of Australia's most important pieces of infrastructure, especially in an age with cybersecurity and national security imperatives. Australians are taking up fibre upgrades in record numbers, and the fibre and fixed wireless upgrades we took to the 2022 election are being delivered on time and on budget—a first. Coupled with exciting innovations in satellite technology, we really are at the cusp of transforming connectivity for everyone. This is great news for all Australians, particularly those in regional communities. It's therefore crucial to ensure that the NBN has strong government oversight, and that's best achieved through the ongoing government ownership.

This bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation to come before the House in recent times. It is important for all the right reasons. It is important because it demonstrates this government's commitment to the public ownership of one of our nation's most important pieces of infrastructure. It is important because it will ensure all Australians, especially those in regional Australia, will have first-class connectivity at an affordable price. It is important as it will protect Australia's national interest from foreign ownership and monopolies. It is important because it puts the interest of Australians unashamedly first. I commend the bill to the House and thank the minister for bringing the matter forward.

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