The Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Gillard Government’s NBN rollout had again disappointed regional Victorians and failed to meet raised expectations.
Senator McKenzie has used a speech in the Senate this week to highlight Labor’s mismanagement of the scheme.
“The government’s plan to revolutionise internet delivery is costing more and taking longer to rollout than first claimed,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Gillard’s NBN will cost at least $44 billion, while NBN Co. needs an additional $2.9 billion of equity investment from taxpayers.
“Only one in four households originally expected to connect to the fibre network will be by mid-next year.
“Now, regional Victorians will have to wait longer to access high speed broadband.”
Senator McKenzie said the Coalition would deliver a cheaper broadband network, which would be connected to homes sooner and more affordable for tax payers.
“Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has admitted the capital cost of the NBN had increased at a “modest” 3.9 per cent to $37.4 billion.
“The Coalition’s approach will treat taxpayer’s money with respect and not leave regional Victorians waiting years to access fast and affordable broadband.”