Senate debates Bills

National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Tasmania) Bill 2014; First Reading


Anne Urquhart

Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party

5:02 pm

I move:

That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011, and for related purposes.

Question agreed to.

Mitch Fifield

Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services

5:03 pm

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry

Stephen Parry Tasmania, Liberal Party

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield

Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services

With the Tasmanian state election just 10 days away, this is clearly a stunt designed to distract attention from Tasmanian Labor's dismal handling of the economy. Senators opposite were deathly silent when the NBN fibre rollout ground to a halt under Labor before the last election. The coalition has the rollout moving again in Tasmania, and under this government all Tasmanians can look forward to fast broadband sooner at less cost to taxpayers and more affordably for consumers.

Anne Urquhart

Anne Urquhart Tasmania, Australian Labor Party

I present the bill and move:

That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a first time.