146/07
Friday 14 September 2007

Minister authorises Attorney-General to make decision

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan has authorised the Attorney-General the Hon Philip Ruddock to make a decision in relation to the proposed variation of Telstra’s carrier licence conditions.

“Telstra has publicly committed to the continued operation of the CDMA network until the Next G network provides equal to or better coverage and services,” Senator Coonan said

The draft carrier licence condition was proposed in order to safeguard consumers against the risk of the CDMA network being shut down before Telstra has met its public commitment.

The Minister strongly refutes allegations of bias and prejudgement in the matter. The Minister said she has followed the proper process in relation to notification of the proposed amendments and allowing Telstra thirty days in which to make submissions, which she was in the process of considering when Telstra started its legal challenge.

Senator Coonan said “it remains the case I have an open mind to the outcome”.

Whilst the Minister does not concede Telstra’s Federal Court claim has any merit, she has elected not to take part in the decision as to whether or not Telstra’s licence condition in respect of the CDMA shut down should be varied.

“So as to ensure that there is no suggestion of prejudgement regarding this decision and to ensure that Australian taxpayers and Telstra shareholders are spared unnecessary delay and expense, the Attorney-General will take on the role of decision maker,” Senator Coonan said.

Media Contact: Frank Peppard 0417 061 969