Coalition: The Coalition believes the most appropriate and efficient means of supporting the rollout and uptake of broadband services is through an open, competitive and technology neutral telecommunications regime. The Coalition also understands that the development of compelling digital content and applications will be a key driver in promoting the take up of broadband technologies by consumers and businesses in Australia.
Democrats: The Commonwealth must set targets in consultation with the ICT sector. Roll out of high bandwidth capability without significant investment in developing a strong local ICT productive capacity will only entrench asymmetry and lock-in Australia as an ICT consumer (moreover, broadband content will foster demand to drive roll-out). Of course, we need to do both. But we think the priority must be on developing Australia's productive and creative capacity.
Greens: Poor policy planning by previous governments has resulted in the current mess of inefficient duplicated broadband services in some areas and nothing in others. Restructuring the nation's telecommunications infrastructure is vital to address these and other needs. Some subsidisation of specific services in certain areas may be necessary to provide universal access.
Labor: Declined to answer.
One Nation: The Federal Government has failed completely in the rollout of broadband services. While many Australians are still struggling with dial-up Internet services, the government's broadband strategy has resulted in installation problems, companies promoting services that are not ready, carriers going bankrupt and irate customers with very little tech support. We believe that organisations such as Australia Post or Postal Agents in every town in Australia could act as agents that are not aligned to any Telco to facilitate broadband.
It's disappointing that the only party the failed to address the current problems is the incumbent Liberal Party. It's equally disappointing that the Liberals were reelected.