Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

This is one of the biggest telecommunication deals our country has seen in terms of government programs. It is a major investment in public service. The government is determined to make it an investment in the future of Australian workers. Telstra has committed to use Australian based industry for the implementation of and the transition to new platforms over the upcoming period. It will deliver to government an Australian industry participation plan outlining the steps that it will take to ensure that it extends the benefits of this contract to local suppliers. I am confident that local firms will have the skills and the creativity to support this vital work. That in turn will boost their profile on the global stage. This is the Labor approach to public enterprise. This is a win for workers, taxpayers and the citizens of this country, who will get better services from Telstra and from the Department of Human Services.