The Australian Greens have introduced a range of amendments to strengthen accountability in the Telstra legislation and improve protection for users of telecommunications services.

"We have an opportunity to bring down costs for end-users, ensure more equitable access and faster services," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, spokesperson on Broadband, Communications & the Digital Economy.

"The Greens have been constructively working to improve the bill and provide greater protection for consumers. We are still deadlocked on the issue of the eventual privatisation of the National Broadband Network, and are insisting the Government show flexibility and common sense.

"The Greens will move further amendments to provide greater consultation on payphone removal, disability access to payphones, and better protection for smaller players in telecommunications markets. We believe we have Government support for the majority of our amendments: the key stumbling block will be the privatisation clauses," Senator Ludlam said.

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