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

I am also pleased to confirm that NBN Co. recently struck an agreement with Silcar to begin the first large-scale deployment of fibre-optic cable for the NBN across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT. This announcement represents almost 40 per cent of national construction activity planned over the next two years with pricing in line with the NBN Co.'s corporate plan. Importantly, this contract means that more and more Australian households will begin to reap the benefits of being connected to the NBN. This government recognises that investing in the NBN is about future-proofing Australia's future economic prosperity, its international competitiveness and its social wellbeing. I am confident that this deal represents good value for taxpayers and that the NBN Co. will continue to deliver the NBN on budget. (Time expired)