MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

LABOR WELCOMES STEPS BY NBN TO ASSIST FAMILIES AND CHILDREN WITHOUT INTERNET

Labor welcomes the announcement today that NBNCo will waive wholesale fees for families with children who do not have internet at home.

This follows calls by Labor for a targeted NBN rebate to support eligible unconnected families with free broadband access for a period of at least 12 months, and initiatives by Telstra and Optus to assist children in need.

We urge NBNCo to offer certainty and expand the duration of the eligible wholesale rebate for unconnected families beyond September 2020, as the current funding allocation appears to comfortably allow for that to occur.

Labor also welcomes steps to provide small business with wholesale pricing relief over the COVID19 period.

Small businesses are under considerable stress at present, and we urge retail providers and NBNCo to work closely to assist them in these difficult times. 

Labor also acknowledges the wholesale charge relief proposed by NBNCo to support retail providers implement financial hardship policies.

This is a welcome gesture, and Labor will consult with stakeholders on suggestions as to how this might best work in practice.

FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 2020