Baillieu blamed for 'unfair' NBN roll-out

James Riley
Wednesday, 19 October 2011 18:07

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

If Victoria was not given enough priority in the early stages of National Broadband Network construction, it was because of state government inaction in the tech sector, shadow technology minister Adem Somyurek says.

When it appeared Victorians had missed out on a larger share of NBN roll-out sites after the NBN Company published its 12-month construction plan yesterday, Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips cried foul - claiming that despite boasting 25 per cent of the Australian population, Victoria was getting only a 12 per cent share of roll-out sites.

Mr Rich-Phillips called on the Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy - a Senator from Victoria - to intervene with the NBN Company on the state's behalf.

But Mr Somyurek says Victoria had missed out on its share of the NBN roll-out because Premier Ted Baillieu and Mr Rich-Phillips had dithered about whether or not it should support the project.

"Victoria has lost jobs and millions of investment dollars to other states because Mr Rich-Phillips and Mr Baillieu put personal political interests ahead of Victoria's interests,' Mr Somyurek said.

"Mr Baillieu knows super fast broadband is vital to Victoria's future prosperity and opportunity. Optic fibre is the answer to drive Victoria's economy and boost productivity."

"However, he refused to firmly back the project and stand up to Tony Abbot who wants to demolish the NBN." Mr Somyurek said. "Instead of making Victoria's case to the Federal Government, Mr Baillieu and Mr Rich-Phillips sat on their hands watching opportunities for Victoria pass them by."

"Now, 12 months later, the Baillieu Government is whingeing about Victoria missing out blaming everyone except themselves."