Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Can the minister provide an update to the Senate on the progress of the National Broadband Network rollout, particularly in Tasmania.

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

I thank Senator Carol Brown for her ongoing interest and support for the NBN in Tasmania. I am happy to announce that late last week the second stage of construction of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania began in Sorell, just outside Hobart. Sorell is the first of seven Tasmanian stage 2 communities where construction will get under way over the coming weeks and months. The other stage 2 communities are Triabunna, Kingston Beach, Deloraine, St Helens, George Town and South Hobart. Importantly, this will provide access to high-speed broadband to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in Tasmania upon completion. We expect that those services will be available progressively from March 2012.

The commencement of construction in the stage 2 communities follows the launch of commercial services in Tasmania in July 2010 in Scottsdale, Smithton and Midway Point. Households, businesses and schools in these communities are already experiencing the benefits of high-speed broadband and improved competition. Just this last weekend the Principal of the Circular Head Christian School in Smithton told the Hobart Mercurythatin the past the area's students had to leave to access education beyond grade 10 and that one of the big advantages they have gained from the NBN is 'being able to provide a greater range of learning oppor­tunities for all students but particularly those in years 11 and 12'. Because of the NBN they are now able to offer their students almost any course they want. Sadly, those opposite want to take that away from them and every other school student in Australia. (Time expired)

Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Can the minister advise the Senate of any new service offerings by NBN Co. that are meeting the Gillard government's commitment to providing rural and regional Australians with fast and fairly priced broadband?

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

I am happy to report that, as of 1 July, NBN Co.'s interim satellite solution came into operation and will be available until the long-term satellite solution becomes ready for launch in 2015. The new interim satellite service will deliver substantial speed and performance improve­ments over current satellite services and replaces the Australian Broadband Guaran­tee, providing access to affordable broadband to those who need it most. The ISS has been designed by NBN Co. for residents and small businesses in rural and remote Australia, who cannot currently access broadband services comparable to those available in metropolitan areas. This new service is being launched in a ramp-up phase until November, during the transition period from the ABG, after which up to 1,000 new connections per month are expected.

Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister advise the Senate what positive impacts the NBN has already made in some local communities and whether there are any examples of people already moving into towns where fibre is becoming a reality right now?

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

We on this side of the chamber remain committed to rolling out the NBN and know only too well the positive impacts it will have on all Australians. I am pleased to report that the NBN is already attracting families and small businesses into areas where it is being rolled out. For example, in the Kiama Downs-Minnamurra first-release site the prospect of a high-speed NBN connection is already drawing businesses to the area. Photographer Paul Gosney says the NBN was a major factor in his decision to move from Sydney to Minnamurra with his wife—also a photographer—and his young family. He said: 'I might even have an advantage over my competitors. I can shoot a job in Sydney, do the post production down here and then deliver them all to my clients.'

Those on this side of the chamber remain committed to delivering equivalent services to those in regional and rural Australia, unlike those in the far corner. (Time expired)