LABOR BULLIES VICTORIA ON NBN
30-March-2011
Labor’s proposed ‘opt-out’ system of connecting the NBN to homes is proof the Government is not confident that consumers will connect to the massive white elephant.
The Gillard Government is threatening the Victorian and NSW State Governments with federal laws that would force households to ‘opt-out’ if they don’t want to connect to the NBN. The alternative opt-in system would require owners of premises to give consent to NBN Co before the fibre network is connected.
Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi says the forceful handling of the issue proves that Labor is worried people aren’t interested in connecting to the NBN.
“If Labor was so sure that the NBN was a winner, they would allow people to opt-in, rather than forcing them to opt-out if they didn’t want to connect,” said Mrs Mirabella.
“Up until now, Ms Gillard has been saying, build it, and they will come. Clearly she doesn’t believe that is the case and she is concerned that people won’t bother connecting unless the Government forces them to.
“I have spoken with many people across the North East who clearly have no appetite for the NBN and don’t understand why Labor is wasting so much money on such an inflexible piece of infrastructure. I have met with developers who are concerned about the costs they face to have the infrastructure installed. These added costs will flow through to new home buyers at a time when families can least afford it.
“The whole NBN debacle is becoming an embarrassment for the Government.”
Parliament was recalled this Monday to debate NBN legislation in the House of Representatives.
“On Monday, Labor introduced NBN legislation and then filibustered their own bill when it looked as if the Independents were going to vote for Coalition amendments. I have never seen a Government attempt to filibuster their own legislation, the whole thing has descended into chaos,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.