The Government committed at the election to deliver accessible internet for all. This move ensures fast, reliable, and affordable internet for all Australians, both now and in the future.
High speed broadband is essential to modern life–it allows Australians to work remotely, run their businesses more productively, video-conference with clients and colleagues, supply and receive telehealth services–while enjoying leisure with their families through streaming.
“All Australians deserve high quality and affordable services no matter their postcode. That includes access to the NBN,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Keeping the NBN in public hands means high speed broadband remains affordable for Australian families and businesses around the country.”
Upgrades to the NBN are a critical component of the Government’s “Future Made in Australia” plan. However, achieving this vision depends on having a reliable, high-speed National Broadband Network.
As noted by the Prime Minister, “The Coalition made a mess of the NBN – my Government is getting on with the job of fixing it and making sure it stays in public hands, where it belongs.”
The Coalition rushed to declare the NBN ‘complete’ so they could put it on the block for sale–selling out Australian consumers and regional communities.
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The Albanese Government won’t let that happen. This legislation will ensure the NBN is owned by who it belongs to–the Australian people.
This is in addition to what we have already done:
These upgrades are already making a real difference in the lives of Australians through faster more reliable internet access.
Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher emphasised the importance of the NBN as critical national infrastructure, noting that a faster, higher-quality network will significantly impact Australia’s economy.
She highlighted its huge impact, projecting a $400 billion uplift in GDP by 2030.
“Economic analysis commissioned by NBN Co shows that for every one megabit per second increase in average broadband speed, Australia’s productivity-driven GDP increased on average by 0.04 per cent.”
“The Albanese Government is delivering a better NBN for Australians, investing $2.4 billion in the October 2022-23 Budget to expand fibre access to 1.5 million premises by 2025.”
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland affirmed the move. “it is only a Labor Government that will ensure the NBN remains in public hands.”
She acknowledged feedback from communities across Australia, stating that “the job of upgrading the NBN is not complete,” which is why more fibre and fixed wireless upgrades are being funded.
Rowland further addressed concerns about privatisation: “Australians don’t trust the Coalition not to flog off the NBN just like they did with Telstra, resulting in higher prices and poorer services, especially in the regions.”
“This Bill will ensure the NBN continues to deliver for all Australians – improving digital inclusion and price certainty for industry and consumers.”
“The Government is delivering on our election commitments to provide fast, reliable and affordable broadband to all Australians, and only by keeping the NBN in the ownership of the Australian people will that vision continue to be delivered,” she concluded.
Keeping the NBN in public hands will lock in affordable and accessible high speed internet for all Australians for generations to come.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
