James Riley
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 11:12
IT Policy -
Government Tech Policy
Page 1 of 2
Opposition plans to delay the passage of the telco regulatory reform package would be disastrous for the Australian economy and for consumers, and Malcolm Turnbull should assert his leadership on the issue, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said.
Government has a telecommunications bill before the Parliament that
would allow for the separation of Telstra into separate wholesale and
retail units, among a raft of other changes to the way industry
regulation. It wants the legislation passed this year.
But shadow communications spokesman Nick Minchin says the the reforms
should be deferred until the completion of the Government implantation
study which is due in February.
"Nick Minchin is trapped in a past era – in both his policy agenda and
his regulatory framework," Senator Conroy told iTWire. "Malcolm
Turnbull knows better … Malcolm Turnbull understands the structure of
this sector."
"But it is very disappointing from someone who should know better take
such a negative approach to what he knows is the greatest educational
tool ever invented. This is going to be an extraordinary transformation
in the way that every Australian lives and for every business."
Senator Conroy said the Opposition was "in crisis" and "paralysed" and
that much-needed reform in the communications sector was being put at
risk as a result.
"He has no strength of leadership to lead the Liberal Party out of the 20 century cul de sac it’s in."
"It has no leadership on climate change. It has no leadership on a
broadband plan. I can give you the names of 18 failed broadband plans
that (the Coalition) had in 11 and a half years," he said.
"We are determined to press ahead with the National Broadband Network
and we are determined to press ahead with the regulatory shake-up, and
Telstra is engaged in a constructive discussion with us about this."
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