NBN Co head of construction quits

The National Broadband Network Company's (NBN Co's) head of construction Patrick Flannigan has resigned amid controversy surrounding the company's decision to halt the bidding process for a network construction tender.

NBN Co confirmed the departure of the senior executive to ZDNet Australia this afternoon.

"NBN Co is disappointed that Patrick Flannigan, head of construction, has decided to resign. He made a valuable contribution to the leadership team and we wish him all the best in the future," the company said.

Dan Fleming, NBN Co's general manager of construction design and planning, will step up as acting head of construction, NBN Co said.

NBN Co declined to comment on whether Flannigan's departure was in relation to its decision to not forge ahead with network construction bids from 14 companies. The company had said that the prices on offer were higher than the company was prepared to pay.