Malcolm Turnbull will attempt to stop the roll-out of the National Broadband Network and any implementation of a mandatory filtering scheme as part of his new role as opposition communications spokesman, both he and Tony Abbott have affirmed.
His announcement as Tony Smith’s replacement comes alongside some reshuffles in the Coalition’s cabinet, with Steve Ciobo, Sharman Stone and Louise Markus losing their portfolios.
Turnbull has made clear his first objective will be to convince the independent MPs to change their minds regarding the NBN, which was one of the key selling points during the three-week negotiations with both parties.
Calling himself an “internet junkie” on ABC Radio, Turnbull said his experience with OzEmail during the 1990s gives him a significant advantage in debating the merits of the network.
“I have been involved in the internet since 1994, so I’m very committed to it, and I’m very committed to the amazing things we can do with technology,” he said.
In a separate statement, Turnbull noted that fast-tracking the rollout in rural areas, as was promised to the independents during negotiations, will only increase the cost and hurt urban customers, many of whom are in need of immediate network upgrades.
“At the heart of this issue is not a question of technologies, but a question of democracy itself. What price democracy, accountability, transparency or the new “sunshine” era of Federal Parliament if a $43 billion investment can be embarked on by Government without any financial analysis capable of demonstrating the money will be well spent?” he said.
He also confirmed his opposition to the Government’s planned internet filter, saying, “I am absolutely and utterly opposed to it — it really is a bad idea in all respects”.
Abbott also confirmed this morning Turnbull’s role will be to convince the independents that the NBN shouldn’t go ahead, and the Coalition’s emphasis on cost-efficient private investment can deliver a better outcome for a cheaper price.
“With someone like Malcolm in charge of communications policy, in charge of exposing the waste and extravagance inherent in the Government’s broadband plans, that becomes a very real prospect.
Turnbull’s appointment as shadow communications spokesman isn’t a surprise. He has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and is well-versed in the technicalities involved in Labor’s ambitious network plan.
That experience will be crucial when dealing with the independents, whom the coalition need to block the NBN from going ahead. Turnbull will attempt to portray the Coalition’s plan, which proposes using a combination of backhaul upgrades, wireless and private investment, to roll-out super speed broadband.
But Turnbull wasn’t the only cabinet member to receive a promotion. Deputy leader Julia Bishop had the trade portfolio added to her responsibilities, while Scott Morrison adds productivity and population to his current immigration and citizenship portfolios.
Mathias Cormann will now act as assistant treasurer, with Stuart Robert has joined the frontbench with defence, science, technology and personnel. Brett Mason will now act as shadow minister for universities and research, with Mitch Fifield also in the frontbench acting for disabilities, carers and volunteers.
Tony Smith was the most prominent of the demoted MPs, with analysts pinning his lack of experience in the telco industry as a major issue. However, Sharman Stone was also demoted, losing her position as childcare and women’s status spokesperson.
Steve Ciobo has lost his position as spokesperson for tourism and arts, along with the youth and sports portfolios, while Louise Markus also lost veterans’ affairs. Joanna Gash also lost her position as parliamentary secretary for tourism.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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