Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

and, as the shadow shadow for communications, he certainly does not understand Telstra’s proposal for fibre to the node or indeed any other proposal.

This government will continue to stand up for consumers and, with an investment of over $3.1 billion, will ensure that broadband is pushed out and made available in regional Australia. We have the funds committed to future-proof this nation so that, as new communication technologies become available, they will also be made available to Australians. And, for those in outer metropolitan areas who cannot and would not have been able to access fibre to the node, of course we have the metropolitan broadband policy: $50 million to ensure that those who would otherwise not benefit from the proposed fibre-to-the-node footprint will be looked after by this government.

The important thing for consumers is that they know that this government are committed to looking after their interests. We have put our money where our mouth is; we have $3.1 billion to ensure that that happens. And—whilst I would still encourage Telstra not only to invest in fibre to the node but also perhaps to turn up their ADSL 2 Plus technology that is also available—if Telstra are to be taken seriously, they will do more for consumers. (Time expired)