Media Release - Keep the NBN Public
The Flinders Ranges Council says NO to privatisation of NBN Co.
Mayor Ken Anderson believes the retention of NBN in public hands is critical. “I support the Australian Government in keeping the National Broadband Network (NBN) in public ownership. I think it is more than fair to say that privatisation of essential services does no favours for regional South Australia.”
“The first thing that goes under privatisation is service. As an advocate for my Council, I spend most of my time fighting for the basics like better water quality, stronger mobile connectivity and lower electricity prices. All of these utilities are in private hands and unfortunately profit comes before people.”
“In Quorn recently a power pole was blown over in strong winds causing a grass fire, more than that we were without power for 19 hours. It eventuated that shortly after the power failure, many people also lost mobile and internet services. This is unacceptable for 2024 and threatened to put lives in serious danger, particularly for our more vulnerable who rely on electricity for medical devices that measure vital signs and keep them alive such as oxygen, suction or home dialysis equipment, power wheelchairs and breathing machines. “
The Commonwealth Government will be introducing a bill to Parliament today to keep the NBN government owned and prevent a future sale of the asset.
“For us in regional and remote areas it is about fairness and equity and that’s why we are supporting the NBN staying a public entity as privatisation in our experience lessens affordability and service.”