Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The NBN is obviously important to assist Australian individuals and businesses to seize the opportunities of the digital age. We know that the NBN proved to be ridiculously slow and costly under those opposite. This is the largest and most complex infrastructure project ever undertaken in Australia. Australians want it; they need it; and they cannot afford to wait another decade, as would be the case if those opposite were on this side of the chamber. The social and economic benefits of the NBN will be realised as a result of Australians accessing the NBN sooner. The economic benefits of the NBN cannot accrue if the NBN is only available to a few people, as would be the case if those opposite were still in the saddle.