Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

This is getting sillier and sillier. As I have tried to explain to Senator Crossin, you do not necessarily have the best wireless applications in built-up metropolitan areas where you are close to exchanges. What this government is doing through its Clever Networks program is providing $113 million for e-health programs, e-education programs and research programs through the length and breadth of Australia. I was fascinated to read that poor old Mr Tanner, who is back in the Dark Ages, has suddenly come up with the bright idea that this is what we should have in Australia. This is broadband rhetoric from people who are clutching at straws. They do not really understand what infrastructure is in this country and they are simply trying to pull themselves up by Labor’s usual broadband bootstraps.