Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Is the minister aware that the Allphones company was recently found by the Federal Court to have engaged in calculated dishonesty and continuing deceit and continues to be the subject of ACCC investigations for alleged breaches of the Trade Practices Act? Allphones chairman, Mr Tony Mitchell, is a hand-picked member of Labor’s National Broadband Network ‘experts panel’. Minister, does Mr Mitchell retain your confidence?

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

As I have stated on a number of occasions, Mr Mitchell has not been named and has not been included in any of the ACCC’s investigations. As such, he will continue to provide excellent advice and information to the expert panel in its work.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Given the following headlines: ‘Broadband panel must distance from Allphones’, ‘Judge slams Allphones over fees’, ‘ACCC case link to ALP adviser’, ‘Allphones kingpin caught in ACCC rift’ and ‘Panel member’s company accused of misleading conduct by ACCC’, why doesn’t the minister take decisive action to restore the credibility of the exert panel and stand down Mr Mitchell?

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

This information has been in the public domain for some two or three months. At no stage has the opposition spokesman called for Mr Mitchell to resign. If that is what you are now suggesting, then you should have the courage to say it. I repeat: Mr Mitchell has not been named and has not been included in the ACCC—

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So he has your confidence?

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

Yes. I have said that before. He has not been named or included in the ACCC’s investigation.