National Broadband Network crucial for Tasmanian economic future

Today in Hobart, Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked questions of the IT industry at the Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network (NBN) about what the NBN means for Tasmanian business.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “The Federal government needs to put politics aside today, keep the promises it made about the NBN, and deliver an outcome for the Tasmanian people and Tasmanian business.

“It is clear from witnesses at today’s hearing that not enough is being done to focus political, business and community leaders on the business and job creation potential of the NBN.

“All of us can do more to make sure we better utilise this significant public investment in national infrastructure.

“Technology and creative industries offer enormous employment potential to Tasmania's future.

“It is not too late to miss Tasmania's ‘first mover’ business development advantage with NBN rollout if we move now, but only if the Abbott government honours their pre-election commitment to Tasmania's full rollout.

“Through our Tasmania 2030 economic vision the Greens have highlighted and championed the economic opportunities that a NBN can offer.

“We have worked with small businesses and the community to deliver federal funding for projects to create new jobs around the NBN, such as the Macquarie House Catalyst Project in Launceston.

“These are the jobs of the future our youth want, and Tasmania can deliver many of these new industries as well as anywhere in the world”, Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.

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Media contact: Tim Beshara – 0409164603