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

I thank Senator Carol Brown for her ongoing interest and support for the NBN in Tasmania. I am happy to announce that late last week the second stage of construction of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania began in Sorell, just outside Hobart. Sorell is the first of seven Tasmanian stage 2 communities where construction will get under way over the coming weeks and months. The other stage 2 communities are Triabunna, Kingston Beach, Deloraine, St Helens, George Town and South Hobart. Importantly, this will provide access to high-speed broadband to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in Tasmania upon completion. We expect that those services will be available progressively from March 2012.

The commencement of construction in the stage 2 communities follows the launch of commercial services in Tasmania in July 2010 in Scottsdale, Smithton and Midway Point. Households, businesses and schools in these communities are already experiencing the benefits of high-speed broadband and improved competition. Just this last weekend the Principal of the Circular Head Christian School in Smithton told the Hobart Mercurythatin the past the area's students had to leave to access education beyond grade 10 and that one of the big advantages they have gained from the NBN is 'being able to provide a greater range of learning oppor­tunities for all students but particularly those in years 11 and 12'. Because of the NBN they are now able to offer their students almost any course they want. Sadly, those opposite want to take that away from them and every other school student in Australia. (Time expired)