Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Minchin for his ongoing interest in this issue. The evidence given last week by Optus reflected a view towards its project which was negotiated with the previous government. As has been discussed at length in this chamber and as has been discussed at length in Senate estimates—as Senator Minchin is aware—the contract with OPEL and the government was terminated on the basis that it ultimately did not provide the services that it offered. This was after rigorous examination. This was quite a clear situation. There is no question that the services could not be provided as contracted for.