Mark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Can the minister advise the Senate how the National Broadband Network will grow the economy and enhance productivity? In particular, how will it support innovation and improve access to education for all Australians?

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

I thank Senator Bishop for his question and his ongoing interest in education and the digital economy. Earlier this month the government announced funding for 12 education and skills projects for primary schools, high schools, TAFEs and universities around Australia, worth $27 million.

These pilot projects will use the NBN to demonstrate how access to education can be improved using high-speed broadband, particularly in regional areas. As a result, high school kids in regional towns, like Willunga and Smithton will get access to the latest remote laboratory and research instruments from Monash University and the University of New South Wales. I challenge those in that corner down there, in what used to be known as Cockies' Corner, but you would have to abbreviate that nowadays, because their defence of regional Australia is absolutely shameful. When opportunities like these are available for children in regional schools, you may well sit there silently, because you should be ashamed of yourselves—for you to be ruled over by the Liberals like this will see the children of regional and rural Australians missing out on the best possible education in this country.

Using the NBN from the home or classroom, students will have access to classes in science and engineering that would otherwise simply not be available. Asian languages and cultural studies will be taught to students in country schools, who will be able to collaborate on projects with overseas students face to face— (Time expired)

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on both sides!

Mark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Can the minister advise the Senate of further measures the Gillard government is taking to develop skills so that Australians can maximise the benefits of the NBN?

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

Mr President—

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

Aha! Right about time!

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Conroy, ignore the interjections and continue.

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

I wish they could shout as loudly in their own party room when it comes to arguing with the Liberals on this, because they are the cowards of the bush at the moment. The digital economy—

Senator Joyce interjecting—

Oh, you've got a lot to say now, Senator Joyce—but nothing to say in the party room!

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Conroy—

Senator Joyce interjecting—

Order! Senator Joyce, you will cease interjecting. Senator Conroy, ignore the interjections and address your comments to the chair.

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

My apologies, Mr President. The digital economy and the broader economy are increasingly one and the same. To help develop the skills required in a super-fast broadband enabled economy, the Gillard government is rolling out training programs to 40 of the first communities to receive access to the NBN. The NBN digital hubs and enterprises are today delivering valuable skills, training to residents and small businesses in eight communities in Australia. They have conducted over 1,300 group and one-on-one training sessions. Last month I announced the latest recipients of $15 million in Commonwealth— (Time expired)

Mark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister advise of any measures the Gillard government is taking to further grow the economy, enhance productivity and support innovation using the National Broadband Network? Can you please advise of those, Minister Conroy?

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

The National Broadband Network will revolutionise the way government services are delivered. High-speed broadband allows more convenient access to government services while actually lowering the cost of delivery to the taxpayer. We are supporting 40 local governments around the country to develop innovative service delivery models using the NBN. For example, Circular Head council in Tasmania and Onkaparinga council in South Australia will enable residents to engage with council officers on development applications using high-definition videoconferencing from the home or office. These are the kinds of innovations that are only made possible if Australians have access to reliable, affordable high-speed broadband. We on this side of the chamber understand this. (Time expired)

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.