The strategic review of the National Broadband Network released today recommends the project be completed using a mix of technologies to save $32 billion, keep monthly bills lower and deliver the NBN to all Australians four years sooner than under Labor’s plan.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, an electrical engineer, said the report would enable the Coalition to draw a line in the sand and finally progress what has been the most wasteful and mismanaged infrastructure project in Australia’s history.

“The review shows the true situation is far worse than any of us were led to believe, with Labor wasting Billions of dollars that can never be recovered,” Mr Pitt said.
Key findings:

• If Labor’s policies are left in place, Australian households will pay up to 80 per cent more for broadband, with bills increasing by $43 per month;
• The roll out is currently two years behind schedule, with final completion due 11 years later than promised by Kevin Rudd;
• The cost to taxpayers of completing the NBN under Labor’s plan has blown out to $73 Billion. That’s $29 Billion more than we were told.

Mr Pitt, who has been appointed to both the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications and the Coalition Policy Committee on Communications, said this thorough and objective analysis of the NBN would enable the Coalition to chart a path forward.

“NBN Co has advised the Government that to deliver broadband sooner, at less cost to taxpayers and more affordably for consumers, the NBN should be completed using a mix of technology,” he said.

“Nine out of ten Australians will receive download speeds of 50 megabits per second or more by 2019.

“An average broadband bill will cost $72 per month using a mix of technology, compared to $139 under Labor’s plan.

“When you consider less than 400 Million of the world’s 1.6 billion internet devices are PCs, it’s easy to see why using a mix of technologies is ideal. People are moving towards portable wireless devices.

“This approach to the NBN brings Australia into line with the broadband upgrades being rolled out around the world.”
Mr Pitt said the rapid and ongoing evolution of technology meant that by the time Labor had connected fibre to every home, the technology would have been superseded.

“We would have spent Billions of dollars more than we needed to on a network that would by then be outdated, and too costly for low to middle income households to connect to,” he said.

Mr Pitt said the release of the report today meant that for the first time since the NBN was announced, Australians now had access to the same information as the Government.

“The Coalition is committed to ensuring Australians get the facts about the NBN,” he said.

“Separate to the Strategic Review, the Government has instructed the Department of Communications to report on quality of internet access in every single neighbourhood in Australia.

“Early next year, the Government will launch a website to allow businesses and households to check their broadband speeds and see where they are ranked. The Government will use this information to ensure under-served areas get the NBN first.

“A new NBN rollout schedule will also be released in 2014, along with a revised NBN Co Corporate Plan.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed the successful negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Australian and Korean Governments, which will benefit the region’s sugar, horticulture and seafood exporters.

Mr Pitt said the Coalition Government this week reached agreement with the Republic of Korea.

The Agreement will be signed and come into operation following domestic approval process in Australia and Korea.

“Korea is already Australia’s biggest export market for sugar,” Mr Pitt said.

“Under the FTA, tariffs will be immediately eliminated on key Australian agricultural exports like sugar, mangoes and macadamias.

“Agricultural exports to Korea will be 73 per cent higher in 2030 than they otherwise would have been in the absence of this FTA.

“This Agreement shows the Coalition is committed to creating opportunities in regional communities and recognises agriculture as one of Australia’s economic strengths.

“The Coalition is making it easier, not harder, to do business in Australia.

“Reducing the cost of doing business by fostering strong relationships with our major trading partners will give businesses the confidence they need to create jobs.

“Today’s announcement is a significant windfall for our region.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

On the eve of Remembrance Day, Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, is urging local community groups to identify ways to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac in 2015 and to apply for Federal funding to assist them.

The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program will aid and encourage communities across Australia to undertake their own Anzac Centenary projects that commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in the First World War, Mr Pitt said.

“The Hinkler electorate has up to $125,000 available for approved community projects that commemorate the First World War commitments made so that future generations will forever be reminded of those sacrifices,” Mr Pitt said.

An Anzac Centenary Grants Committee has been established to review and recommend local projects to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“I really do urge Hinkler communities to consider ways we can best remember the First World War whether this is public commemorative events, new World War I memorials or honour boards, the preservation of First World War wartime and military memorabilia, or relevant school projects.”

Groups eligible to apply include community and ex-service organisations, schools and other educational institutions, museums and cultural institutions, local government authorities and other non-profit organisations.

“This funding is only available for projects relevant to the First World War so applications should carefully consider the guidelines available at www.anzaccentenary.gov.au when putting together an application but if they require any clarification or assistance, my office will be available to help,” Mr Pitt said.

Applications need to be submitted to the local committee by January 31, so they can be assessed then forwarded to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Funding will be available to June 30, 2014.

Further information can be obtained from www.anzaccentenary.gov.au, or free call 1800 026 185 or from the Member for Hinkler’s office on 4152 0744.

“World War I and the Anzac tradition is such a critically important part of our history that we need to commemorate it in ways that ensure we acknowledge and remember it for generations to come,” Mr Pitt said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744