92/07 Friday 6 July 2007
Expert Taskforce Terms of Reference
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today released the terms of reference for the Expert Taskforce that will develop and manage the assessment process for proposals to rollout a new high speed broadband network for capital cities and major regional centres.
Senator Coonan said the terms of reference require the Expert Taskforce to consult publicly on draft guidelines, issue final guidelines, conduct the assessment process and provide the Australian Government with recommendations on the proposals received.
“The assessment process will call for industry proposals to detail price and non-price terms and conditions and identify the regulatory conditions required to facilitate a commercial build,” Senator Coonan said.
“As outlined in the terms of reference, the guidelines for the competitive bids process will be developed by the Expert Taskforce in consultation with industry.
“The Taskforce is also responsible for assessing the proposals as they relate to the Government’s objective of enabling the roll out of a new high speed broadband network.
“The Terms of Reference provide for an open and transparent process that will be run in a timely manner,” Senator Coonan said.
“The Expert Taskforce is meeting regularly to settle the draft guidelines which are expected to be finalised in several weeks. The Taskforce first met two weeks ago and is meeting again today.
“Following an open and transparent examination, the Government will legislate to ensure the nation is getting a top class service which is affordable and complements other aspects of Australia Connected.”
An indicative timeframe for the competitive bids process will be released with the draft guidelines.
The Expert Taskforce is chaired by Patricia Scott, Secretary of DCITA with other members including: Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry; PM&C Deputy Secretary Jenny Goddard; telecommunications regulatory expert Tony Shaw; Australian Competition Tribunal member Rod Shogren; ACCC executive Joe Dimasi; and business leaders Len Bleasel AM and Dick Warburton AO.
The terms of reference are available at www.dcita.gov.au/expert_taskforce
Media Contact: Fiona Telford 02 6277 7480