Release: The unfinished NBN unsurprisingly made obsolete

Release: The unfinished NBN unsurprisingly made obsolete

The Australian Taxpayers Alliance, the nations largest grassroots advocacy group representing taxpayers, today reminded policymakers why the government shouldn’t get into the business of business. The almost finished national broadband network now faces competition making it obsolete.

“Australian taxpayers were forced to foot the $51billion NBN bill for something private companies would have gladly paid for,” said ATA Policy Director Emilie Dye. “The NBN was subpar from the start, so it is no surprise private enterprise has stepped up to provide Australians something better.”

“Businesses are not accountable to the taxpayers so have the flexibility to innovate and create products that are either cheaper or higher quality than those made by their competitors. Businesses aren't mired down by politics.

“However, the government can produce poor products and the ATO will make certain taxpayers pay. There is no incentive to compete or create. 

“Businesses have an uphill battle when the government enters a market because policymakers can simply wage a tax or increase regulation on the competition and force Australians onto the government substitute. Anyone using non-NBN internet sources must pay an extra $7.10 each month in tax. 

“The NBN nightmare should serve as a warning to our politicians. If a project is worth doing, some entrepreneur will do it better than the government ever could and without costing the taxpayers a cent.”