Govt calls for Senate to lift ban on NBN debate

James Riley
Monday, 26 October 2009 07:50

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has tabled documents with the Senate asking that it lifts an order that currently prevents consideration of any bill related to its National Broadband Network proposal.

The documents, which include a statement from the Minister, are a first step toward enabling a debate on Government's legislative reforms in the Senate later this week.

The Senate has not debated any NBN-related bills since May 13, when the Opposition – supported by the cross benches – passed a motion that stopped consideration of the bills until after it had received the ACCC's formal report on the NBN proposals and Government NBN Panel of Experts had reported on submissions to the original request for proposals.

Senator Conroy has resisted tabling the full reports saying they contained commercially sensitive materials. The documents tabled today have commercial in confidence material removed.

"The Government believes that given that it has received all the information that it reasonably can given the commercially sensitivity of the material the Senate should move to consider the legislation that will provide NBN Co with the framework needed to ensure the full benefits of the network are delivered," Senator Conroy said in his statement to the Senate tabled this morning.

"The Government will shortly seek to move a motion requesting that the Senate … allow consideration and debate of these bills."

The May 13 motion blocks consideration of three key bills:

The first would allow Government to access network information from communications companies and utilities that it says is needed to ensure the NBN is rolled out as quickly and effectively as possible.

The second sets the regulatory framework within which the NBN Co would operate, and includes the regulatory settings that apply to Telstra and the others in the industry.

The third would enforce the roll-out of fibre optic infrastructure to green field estates built after July 1 next year.

Addressing concern in the Senate about the failed original NBN request for proposals, Senator Conroy said that since the May 13 Senate Order came into effect, the Auditor-General had announced it would conduct an inquiry into the process and is expected to report early next year.

"The Government has welcomed the Auditor-General’s announcement that the Australian National Audit Office will conduct a performance audit of the National Broadband Network RFP process."