Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Treasurer. I reminded him that in January 2011 the NBN Co. took over responsibility for broadband in new housing estates. Will he confirm that by June 2012, 18 months later, fewer than 1,000 homes in new estates have an active service from the NBN? Can he also confirm that the NBN's rollout is so slow that up to 74,000 such new homes are currently without any fixed line telecommunications at all?

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Wentworth for that very rare question. He deserves congratulations. It is obviously because the deputy leader is at the table that he has actually asked a question.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You do not believe in the NBN!

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

People haven't got telephone lines and you're making a joke about it!

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business is warned!

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On this side of the House we do have a commitment to nation building. We have a commitment to the NBN because we understand the importance of super-fast broadband to the modern economy. We understand that we need to have the latest technology so we can deliver super-fast broadband and not have to maintain the horse-and-buggy system that we have got now. I think everybody understands there is a basic difference of opinion between this side of the House and that side of the House. They want to stay with the horse-and-buggy system. We want to invest in the latest technology to make sure that we are not only connected across our country but we are effectively connected to the rest of the world. Wherever I go in this country, but particularly in regional areas, the NBN is well understood. Even if they are not on our side of politics they give it very strong support.

What I would say in regard to the specifics of the question from the member is that I am advised that, in terms of our corporate plan, our rollout is rolling out consistent with the time frame and numbers that we have published, and it will continue to be rolled out.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, I ask a supplementary question. I refer the Acting Prime Minister to the Villa World housing estate at Mango Hill in Petrie, whose residents have been without any fixed line telecoms for over eight months as they wait for the NBN to arrive. Can the Acting Prime Minister guarantee the NBN Co. will connect them before the year is out?

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am happy to have a look at it.

Honourable Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am well aware the member for Calwell is on her feet. I am waiting for some silence and civility in the chamber.