NBN: government-wide approach essential

The State Government must not squander the once in a lifetime opportunities presented by the National Broadband Network.

Too many opportunities have been wasted by this government over the past 11 years and the broadband roll-out must not be one of them.

I believe we do need a high-level advisory committee to coordinate a strategic whole-of-government approach to identify and seize the opportunities from being the first State to benefit from the NBN roll-out.

But there are concerns amongst the ICT sector that this is not happening.

In the June budget, the Premier said he would form a committee to “identify and capture development, employment and investment opportunities that are likely to arise over the next 12 months.”

Has the committee been established? Has it met? If so, when? The Premier must outline progress.

It is not good enough for him to pose for pictures in a hard-hat next to trenches and not do the strategic work to ensure our State capitalizes on this important infrastructure.

The government should also appoint an ICT Minister to provide greater government focus to this critical portfolio.

High-speed broadband and other technological advances are essential to Tasmania’s future prosperity and we must not blow this once in a lifetime opportunity to get ahead of the game.
Will Hodgman MP Leader of the State Opposition