MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY  

MORRISON-JOYCE GOVERNMENT HAS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER ABOUT ITS REGIONAL INTERNET TAX
 

In 2020, the Morrison Government legislated an ongoing broadband tax of $7.10 per month per service, specifically for the purpose of recovering the costs of the regional fixed-wireless and satellite rollout, and funding all future fixed-wireless upgrades to 2040.

Yet, barely a year after the tax was legislated, NBNCo is now signalling that despite planning to spend $57 billion, the regional fixed-wireless network also needs overbuilding. 

According to reports, NBNCo is now seeking $1 billion for upgrades, only sufficient to overbuild a modest segment of the fixed-wireless network with fibre-to-the-premises.

So what exactly was the purpose of Scott Morrison’s $7 per month broadband tax? 

This is the latest timely reminder that the sweeping technological incoherence of the Liberal-National Government is not costless — it always carries a price.

The Coalition originally promised to deliver an inferior copper NBN for $29.5 billion. 

The rollout cost then increased to $41 billion. Due to endless technology mistakes, the cost then went to $49 billion and then $51 billion. 

Then, in a piece entitled “No More Handouts”, Minister Fletcher told the Australian Financial Review:

“Commonwealth funding to the NBN is capped at $49 billion. That’ is our position, it’s been our position, and it will be our position. That has not changed.”

The cost of the rollout is now $57 billion.

MONDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2021

MEDIA CONTACT: PNINA HAGEGE 0402 394 790