House debates Questions without Notice
National Broadband Network
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party
2:38 pm
My questions is to the minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. I refer to a statement reported on 17 August by the CEO of the iiNET, a firm providing internet access at the NBN trial locations in Tasmania, that, and I quote, ‘demand from our point of view is zero’. Will the minister advise the House exactly how many customers are currently paying for National Broadband Network service in Tasmania and how much are they paying on average?
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
I thank the member for his question. I note, indeed, that we on this side of the House do support the National Broadband Network. And every member from Tasmania on this side of the House as well as, I am sure, the member for Denison are very appreciative of the fact that the NBN is being rolled out in Tasmania first. The National Broadband Network being rolled out in Tasmania just this week has added an additional provider, making it up to five. Telstra has now come out as a retailer. With regard to the—
Paul Fletcher Bradfield, Liberal Party
Mr Speaker, the point of order goes to relevance. The question was very clear: exactly how many customers are currently paying for NBN service in Tasmania and how much are they paying?
Harry Jenkins Speaker
The minister will relate his remarks to the question.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House
With regard to the precise number of customers in Tasmania for a particular service, I will get back to the member.
Andrew Southcott Boothby, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Healthcare
Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The minister was quoting from some six-by-four cards, and I wonder if he could table the cards for the benefit of the parliament.
Harry Jenkins Speaker
The member for Boothby will resume his seat. The member for Corangamite has the call.