Media Release

Regulatory reform submissions published

Submissions to the National Broadband Network: Regulatory Reform for 21st Century Broadband discussion paper have been published.

"There has been an extremely strong response to the Government's public consultation on the future of Australia's telecommunications regime," the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said.

"The submissions support the Government's conviction that regulatory reform is urgently required to deliver better outcomes for consumers while the National Broadband Network is being rolled out."

"The Government is giving careful consideration to the submissions put forward. We are determined to proceed with our reform agenda and we will be working hard to introduce legislation this year."

The Regulatory Reform paper canvassed a range of options for reforming the critical competition and consumer-protection arrangements for the telecommunications sector. More than 120 submissions were received from a range of individuals, industry players and other stakeholders.

"The regulatory reforms we are now developing will improve competition and service during the transition to the National Broadband Network," Senator Conroy said.

"The National Broadband Network will form the foundation for Australia's future broadband market and our participation in the digital economy by delivering high-speed broadband to every home, workplace and school."

"The new investment is the biggest reform in telecommunications in two decades because it delivers separation between the infrastructure provider and retail service providers."

"This means better and fairer infrastructure access for service providers, greater retail competition, and better services for families and businesses."

Submissions to the National Broadband Network: Regulatory Reform for 21st Century Broadband discussion paper are available online: www.dbcde.gov.au/nationalbroadbandnetwork

Date: 12 June 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457