David Bartlett MP
Premier of Tasmania

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

Tasmania NBN Co Limited established

The Australian and Tasmanian Governments today announced the establishment of the company to rollout and operate the National Broadband Network in Tasmania and the appointment of its first four Board directors.

Tasmania NBN Co Limited (TNBN Co) has been established as a wholly–owned subsidiary of NBN Co Limited (NBN Co), the company responsible for rolling out and operating the National Broadband Network nationally.

The directors of TNBN Co at its foundation are Mr Doug Campbell, Ms Alison Terry, Mr Jody Fassina and Mr Greg McCann. Mr Campbell will be Executive Chairman of TNBN Co.

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett said a further three appointments will be announced in the near future.

"The appointment of the Board shows that behind the scenes we are continuing to progress the rollout of what will be the most significant infrastructure project of the 21st century," Mr Bartlett said.

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said the Board of Tasmania NBN Co will play an important role in driving forward the implementation of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania.

"These appointments provide TNBN Co with a wealth of expertise and experience to undertake this landmark project for the state of Tasmania."

The first Board appointments for TNBN Co were confirmed today at the historic first meeting of the NBN Co Board in Canberra.

"Today is a historic milestone as the Rudd Government rolls out the National Broadband Network," Senator Conroy said.

Aurora Energy and NBN Co will become joint shareholders of TNBN Co.

On 25 July 2009, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, Senator Conroy and the Premier of Tasmania, David Bartlett, announced the Tasmanian communities of Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point would be the first to receive NBN broadband services.

Work on the rollout in Tasmania began in July 2009, new trenches will be dug from October and fibre connections to the first premises will be made in December. The first services are expected to be available by July 2010.

Premier David Bartlett will tonight join Senator Conroy at a broadband–focussed session at the Australian American Leadership Dialogue Forum in Melbourne.

Background on the four Board appointees follows below.

Date: 13 August 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall (Senator Conroy's Office) 0408 258 457
Vanessa Fabris (Premier Bartlett's Office) 0419 006 572

TNBN Co Limited Board Appointments

Doug Campbell – BACKGROUND

Mr Campbell brings significant telecommunications experience and expertise to the National Broadband Network project.

Mr Campbell was awarded an Order of Australia for his service to business and to the community, particularly as a contributor to the development of communications services in regional and remote areas of Australia. He was the founding group managing director and key architect of Telstra Country Wide.

He has over 48 years of industry experience: 30 years in Canada competing with established telecommunications providers, and 18 years in Australia as a senior executive at Telstra.

The Government recently announced Mr Campbell's appointment as a member of the NBN Co Board.

Alison Terry – BACKGROUND

Ms Terry is a highly–:experienced global executive with demonstrated expertise in all aspects of corporate affairs, government relations and management of legal and regulatory exposures as well as experience in financial management, marketing and international business operations.

As a former Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, at GM Holden Limited, Ms Terry was a Member of Holden's Senior Leadership Team, the GM Holden Limited Board of Directors, and each of GM's subsidiary companies in Australia.

Ms Terry is currently working as a consultant and sits on a number of boards including AustralianSuper, Centre for Adult Education, and Chifley Business School.

Jody Fassina – BACKGROUND

Mr Fassina has a strong knowledge and understanding of Government and a professional background in advising on banking, finance, financial services and taxation issues. He brings these important skills and experience to TNBN Co including his in-depth understanding of Tasmanian government and community issues.

He is a director of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition and Trust and Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Greg McCann – BACKGROUND

Mr McCann has extensive financial consultation and managerial experience. He is currently the Managing Director and Principal of the Excentor Group of Companies, an information technology distribution and services business operating throughout the Asia–Pacific region. He also had almost 25 years experience with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as a systems integrator specialising in the implementation of enterprise applications.

Mr McCann holds Non-Executive Chairman positions at MOKO.mobi, an international provider of mobile social networking services focused on 3G networks, and Tel.Pacific, a company with a core business of providing pre-paid telephony products and services.

Mr McCann is also on the Board of the law firm Lander & Rogers.