Andrew Bragg (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is terrific to be able to continue my remarks about this bill, the Telstra Corporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. I note that the changes proposed in this bill still maintain a significant degree of control over this corporation. I think it is incumbent upon us as the elected officials to consider the longer-term view here about the mass disruption of the technology industry of telecommunications, the role of big-tech organisations, and media disruption. We need to think about whether or not we should be sustaining highly detailed, quite prescriptive arrangements for particular companies that were once monopolies. I think that's a good question for us to consider.

The changes proposed in this bill that is before the chamber are an updating and upgrading of the functioning of the governance arrangements of the corporation. I think, given that there's always been a heavy need to have regulation for telecommunications companies, especially to provide universal services into the regions, it is, of course, appropriate that this be updated over time. But, as I say, I think that over the long term we want to make sure that we have an economy that is governed by dynamic rules, that isn't stuck in the past and that isn't looking to put in place arrangements which hold the country back. It's very important that this particular bill pass now, but I suggest that the chamber, the government and the parliament consider further opportunities to upgrade all of our settings in this space.