Important questions remain unanswered about $600 million in funding for the NBN roll-out in Tasmania, despite today’s announcement of a $100 million equity injection into the Tas NBN Co., according to Liberal Senator Guy Barnett.
"The NBN roll-out in Tasmania is estimated to cost $700 million. If today's $100 million injection will take the NBN to 90,000 homes, what will the other $600 million be used for, and when will we see it?" Senator Barnett said.
"How much money will come from the Federal Government and how much from the State Government? Both Governments are refusing to say.
"I have been asking questions of Broadband Minister Senator Stephen Conroy in the Senate and he has been refusing to answer.
"Where is the business plan for this massive taxpayer funded roll-out in Tasmania?
"How will this project be made commercially viable?
"How much will consumers need to pay to get connected?
"If prices are too high and take up rates low, who will pay for the network?
“Today’s announcement is a political stunt to help State Labor. It raises just as many questions as it does answers.
"Given what we have seen with the management of the home insulation program, how could taxpayers trust the Government to manage this program, which is far more complex from a commercial and technical point of view?
"Tasmania needs better broadband. It is important for education, for health and for small business.
“That’s why we can’t afford more of Labor’s waste and mismanagement on this project.
"We can’t afford another pink batts fiasco on broadband.," Senator Barnett concluded.