It is good that we place a high importance on Telstra's shareholders.. 'first and foremost.' I just wonder if we could wiggle our customer's (interests) into that sentence somehow?? They might like to hear that they are important too ...

It's laughable of Michael Egan, of all people, to accuse Telstra's executives of wild rhetoric when his counsel would be better directed at the New South Wales Government's Financial circus he helped orchestra. Unlike Telstra shareholders the taxpayers in this state are livid and for good reason,

I wonder what bank will give to Terria and others whithout Telstra in their business plans, either as a partner or customer? Can we please just get on with it????????

I have to wholeheartedly second Andrew Burnett's comment; the person that _must_ be first and foremost in Telstra's mind is the customer! At the end of the day the customer comes first and then the shareholder. Remember that if the customer does not pay the bill or votes with their feet and takes their business elsewhere Telstra can build anything it bloody well likes ... it will not be used!

Mark and Andrew I think you are both being a bit pedantic. It goes without saying that customers are very important people. However, also important is the capacity of the company to profit and allow the provisions of employment and investment return for its owners. Telstra appreciate their customers, that's why they have ten times as may as their opponents.

Sorry Sydney, correction, Mark and Andrew do have it right. Without customers there is no return to shareholders, there is no business to develop, there is not money for network building. It should be customers first and foremost, the rest will follow including return to the shareholder.Far too many companies in Australia base their whole business model on the shareholder interests. Yes the shareholder provides the capital to structure the business and allow it grow however without the customer buying the product there is no business. Under the loose term "service" the customer waits in queues, paying a high price for a product all in the interest of providing a better return for the shareholder by reducing "overheads". When the customer walks to get them back there yet another cost, but if the customer feels they come first they will think a lot longer about walking.

I concede to Sydney's comment.... I am being a little pedantic!! But this is a public website ... where Telstra seeks to shape Government and public opinion. As a shareholder, employee and customer of Telstra.. I would hope that a CEO of a major bank .. or a member of the NBN selection panel ... or even a 16 y.o. with an iphone, would be hearing the message that 'they' are important too. I don't want them thinking that we are arrogant and primarily concerned with profit... and Sydney, you spelt ma(n)y incorrectly....

Bill you resurrect the old chicken and the egg question. I think the product is the most important element in the equation because if it is attractive it will be acceptable to the masses and attract customers. Andrew you are of course correct with regard to my misspelling and in this case you were not pedantic just perceptive.