Senator Nick Minchin today welcomed his appointment as Shadow Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

“While I would have been happy to continue as Shadow Minister for Defence, the Communications portfolio has a number of issues of vital importance to people across Australia, and especially the bush,” Senator Minchin said.

“As the Opposition Leader has stressed, a key issue in appointing a Senator to this shadow role is to ensure maximum parliamentary scrutiny of Senator Conroy, given his lack of delivery as Communications Minister.

“Labor’s rollout of the National Broadband Network continues to be hamstrung by delay and uncertainty, made worse by Senator Conroy’s continued obfuscation in the Senate and in Estimates.

“Quality of telecommunications services will continue to be a big issue for people in the bush.

“Other issues that I will be pursuing with Senator Conroy are Labor’s uncertain plans for a digital switch-off; ABC and SBS funding; cyber safety; and interactive gambling.

“My general approach will be to support freedom of choice for consumers and industry. Where regulation is appropriate, it should be light-handed and only put in place where the benefits of regulation exceed the costs.

“From my experience as Finance Minister privatising Telstra, I bring a strong understanding of the importance of fair competition in the telecommunications sector.

“I believe Bruce Billson did an excellent job as Shadow Minister and I look forward to continuing his work, while taking the fight up to Senator Conroy in the Senate,” Senator Minchin concluded.

* This article was first published as a Media release by Senator the Hon Nick Minchin.