Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I want to give an explanation of the reasons I do not support the opposition’s position. The Telecommunications Act currently states that utilities can do things that make them carriers or carriage service providers without requiring a carrier’s licence. The government’s provisions in this bill are therefore consistent with existing legislation. Further, the government will clarify in its amendment relating to access to utilities that it may only be used for internal uses and not for the resupply of the carriage service. I support the government’s position on utilities because by enabling utilities to directly access NBN Co. they will be able to introduce smart technologies, such as electricity networks and road monitoring capabilities, which telecommunications providers may not necessarily offer.

I understand that the opposition is concerned about the blurring between wholesale and retail if you allow utilities to access NBN Co. But, under the legislation, utilities will not be accessing NBN Co. for everyday telecommunications services but only for necessary and desirable uses that will enhance its ability to improve monitoring systems and innovate smart technology, which in turn will benefit the consumer of those utilities. Utilities are not end users and the government’s amendment makes it explicit that they may not resupply the carriage service. For those reasons, I cannot support the opposition’s position in relation to this.

Question agreed to.