ACCAN has today welcomed the Albanese Government's introduction of legislation to the parliament to keep the National Broadband Network in public ownership.
ACCAN supports NBN Co in its mission to deliver affordable, accessible, high-speed broadband to all Australians. This legislation ensures that the public interest will remains front and centre.
Australian taxpayers have outlaid nearly $60 billion for the construction of the NBN in the 15 years since it was established.
Responding to the introduction of the Bill, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said, "Retaining public ownership of this critical public asset will provide the opportunity for continued improvement in the communications services Australians need now and into the future. The NBN in public hands provides ongoing certainty that will ensure Australians economic and social wellbeing for years to come."
The proposed bill will amend the National Broadband Network Companies Act. Under the current legislation, there is a pathway to sell off the National Broadband Network.
In removing this pathway, these amendments provide policy certainty to the NBN, consumers and stakeholders.
"What this legislation does is remove a pathway for future governments to sell-off the NBN. The safety and prosperity of Australians should be the primary focus of government."
"We look forward to the progression of this legislation through parliament and urge all politicians to engage in this important piece of legislation," Ms Bennett concluded.
