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

The reforms announced yesterday will lead to substantial benefits for people in rural and regional Australia as we transition to the full rollout of the NBN. The three key elements of our reform package are critical to improve telecommunications services in these areas. Firstly, reforms to address Telstra’s high level of integration will mean greater competition, more choice and more affordable prices for people in regional Australia. Secondly, reforms to telecommunications competition will give competitors greater confidence to enter the market and provide services in regional Australia. Thirdly, reforms to strengthen consumer safeguards, including more stringent standards for the delivery of voice services and preventing the removal of payphones, will ensure that people in rural and regional Australia have access to better quality services. (Time expired)