Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the good senator for his question. Given this was on the front page of the Australian, the government effectively had notice of this question. It is not unusual for the opposition to simply go through one broadsheet and then ask the questions accordingly. It is normal practice for governments, when considering these sorts of complex policy transactions—as the opposition keeps reminding us—to seek external expert advice. It is precisely what you would expect from a government that is taking a detailed, methodical and responsible approach to a project of the importance of the National Broadband Network.

It is somewhat amazing that there has been criticism, including from the shadow minister, about this issue. You would think that the opposition, who have been allegedly clamouring for more due diligence, more information, more consideration, would actually welcome the fact that the government is ensuring it has the proper expert and technical advice, as is normal practice, in relation to this issue. It really demonstrates yet again the hypocrisy of the opposition, because on the one hand they say, ‘We want more time, we want more information, we want more delay, we want more inquiry,’ and then they have the hide to criticise the government for doing what we ought to do, which is to ensure that we consider this issue methodically, closely and responsibly.

The only explanation for the hypocrisy of the opposition is Senator Joyce’s own explanation, and that is: this is not about policy, this is not about transparency; this is about the opposition’s political agenda. They will wreck and oppose everything. (Time expired)