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

Alas, I am afraid I must disappoint Senator Birmingham. This amendment would remove the ability of NBN corporations to supply certain limited communication services that are not eligible services within the meaning of that term in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. It is appropriate that NBN corporations be permitted to provide certain other communication services, such as services that are ancillary or incidental to the supply of eligible services. These provisions of the bill place limits on the scope of the services NBN corporations may provide while still ensuring they can operate effectively to supply all necessary services to wholesale customers. For this reason the government opposes this amendment. Clauses 17 to 19 in the bill limit NBN Co’s activities to communication services and goods.