Australian Greens' Additional Comments

1.1The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a critical piece of infrastructure that should be affordable and accessible for everyone, and it's why the Greens have long fought to protect the NBN from privatisation. Last time there was a minority government it was the Greens who protected the NBN from being sold off by securing amendments that have kept the NBN in public hands until now.

1.2While we are glad to see Labor finally take the step of permanently keeping the NBN in public hands, this move alone appears politically motivated in the leadup to an election. If the Labor Government truly is concerned about providing a public good to all Australians, this bill must be used as an opportunity to examine the accessibility of the NBN, the quality of the service and affordability – and take action to improve outcomes for everyday Australians.

1.3The reality of the NBN in Australia is that many Australians, even in the cities, are relying on outdated, unreliable technology. Continued poor quality of service means that the digital divide is growing for those in regional, rural and remote areas.And now, in a cost of living crisis, more and more everyday Australians can't afford their rent, let alone their internet bills.

1.4Meanwhile, NBN Co executives are paid exorbitant salaries. It is hard to stomach that, in a cost of living crisis, the NBN Co CEO was paid a salary of more than $3 million dollars[1] – five times more than the Prime Minister.

1.5Keeping the NBN in public hands is just one part of providing a quality, universal public good. The Labor Government should use this opportunity to address the real concerns of Australians regarding internet affordability, reliability and access. The Australian Greens strongly believe that the National Broadband Network must remain in public hands as an essential communications service that is accessible and affordable for all Australians no matter where or who you are.

1.6That the bill be amended to recognise the NBN as a universal service, requiring NBN Co to provide the national broadband network in a way that is accessible and affordable to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.

1.7That the bill be amended to cap executive bonuses.

1.8That the Australian Government upgrade the National Broadband Network as needed to ensure all Australians have affordable access to high speed, reliable internet

1.9That the Australian Government provide cost of living relief to Australians struggling to afford essential communications services.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

Deputy Chair

Footnotes

[1]NBN Co, Annual Report 2024, 12 September 2024, p. 125, transparency.gov.au/publications/infrastructure-transport-regional-development-communications-and-the-arts/nbn-co-limited/nbn-2024-annual-report/remuneration-report/remuneration-of-key-management-personnel (accessed 5 February 2025).