Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question and for the opportunity to dispel a popular myth put about those opposite. Contrary to their propaganda, this government sees that telecommunications services are of critical importance to Australians living in rural and regional areas. Telecommunications—and in particular access to high-speed broadband—allows the tyranny of distance to be overcome. Anyone with a real understanding of the needs of rural Australia recognises that fact.

Only yesterday, Dr Glasson of the Regional Telecommunications Review commented on the importance of broadband to education in regional areas.