Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Public comments sought on National Broadband Network

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, today invited industry and the public to provide submissions that will assist in the development of the National Broadband Network Request for Proposals.

“Interested individuals, organisations and companies are invited to provide submissions that will inform the Panel of Experts,” Senator Conroy said.

The Panel of Experts has been established to assess proposals to build the National Broadband Network, which will provide download speeds of at least 12 megabits per second to 98 per cent of Australian homes and businesses.

“I have asked the Panel of Experts to provide me with advice that will assist in the development of the Request for Proposals documentation for the National Broadband Network process,” Senator Conroy said.

“I am sure there are a number of individuals and organisations that are interested in the Australian broadband market and that will be able to provide informed submissions to aid in the panel's consideration of the issues.

“The Government values their input to this very important process, which will secure Australia 's digital future for many years to come,” Senator Conroy said.

Written submissions should be provided to the panel by 30 March 2008, and can be forwarded by email to nationalbroadbandnetwork@dbcde.gov.au

Submissions may be published and made publicly available online.

Further information on the National Broadband Network process and Panel of Experts is available on the website of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy at www.dbcde.gov.au/nationalbroadbandnetwork

17 March 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 02 6277 7480, 0408 258 457