Wed, 14th May 2008

Opposition's goodwill saves Conroy for now

The Hon Bruce Billson MP
Shadow Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's inept handling of his National Broadband Network process was on full display in the Senate today as he begged and grovelled for legislation to be passed to help him meet his ridiculous and unrealistic project deadlines.

Not only did Senator Conroy not allow sufficient time to debate his own Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network) Bill 2008, but he also failed to adequately consult with telecommunications carriers and his own Senate and Parliamentary colleagues regarding Labor's own amendments to his legislation.

Despite serving 12 years in the Senate, the new minister displayed total ignorance and disregard towards parliamentary processes and procedures.

The legislation was designed to facilitate the exchange of crucial information relating to existing fibre broadband infrastructure and provide confidentiality protections in relation to its use. This information is required by telecommunications carriers wanting to lodge a proposal for the construction of a National Broadband Network.

More than a month ago Senator Conroy put out a formal Request for Proposals with a tight 25 July deadline attached, knowing that potential bidders did not have access to necessary information in order to costs and shape credible bids. Tonight the Minister made a song and dance about how crucial it was that this legislation was passed and laughably threatened to blame the Opposition if it didn't.

If this legislation was so crucial to Labor how come it wasn't on yesterday's program or even the first item up for debate today? In fact the minister has had almost six months to get his house in order in regards to these issues, but has failed to do so.

Despite his total mishandling of this process, it is only the goodwill of the Opposition that will allow this legislation to pass. While the Opposition has deep concerns about this process, and put forward substantial amendments in a bid to help the Government get it on a credible track, it has made it clear from the outset that it will not deliberately delay access to crucial; information essential to those considering submitting a bid.

It is clear the Government will not embrace the helpful and constructive proposals offered by the Opposition to get the process back on track, purely to avoid political embarrassment and a parliamentary acknowledgement that Senator Conroy has totally botched this crucial public infrastructure project.