Mr Bartlett and I are as one when it comes to the importance of rolling out high-speed broadband across Tasmania.
The Leader of the Federal Opposition has quite rightly been critical of the fact that Labor is rolling out a $43 billion national broadband network without having done a business case or proper planning.
Similarly, I have severe doubts that proper planning is being done by Labor for the roll-out of broadband in Tasmania.
Last week, the Premier announced he was implementing a 5 year “master plan” for the roll out of the NBN, yet the Energy Minister was unable to produce a copy during estimates hearings, and he was unable to say whether this so-called master plan had even been considered by Cabinet.
What work has the Premier’s advisory council done to date? Where is the plan to increase our skills base to maximise the opportunities from the broadbank network?
Typically the Premier has milked this issue for media opportunities, but given Labor’s appalling record of mismanaging major projects, Tasmanians are well entitled to question whether Labor is capable of delivering the high-speed broadband to Tasmanian homes and businesses that they have promised.
Will Hodgman MP Leader of the State Opposition Shadow Minister for Information and Communication Technology
