Page 3376 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 23 September 2015
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arrangements and the potential for new employment opportunities and connectivity with remote locations. And it means better cloud-based connectivity. Access to high speed broadband allows customers, suppliers, staff and stakeholders both remotely and in the office to communicate and engage on any connected device.
Small business can also benefit from a more reliable network, with the NBN fibre being much more reliable and more robust than our old copper infrastructure, which means fewer outages and less downtime. The NBN helps small business to be more interactive—businesses will be able to promote themselves using photos and videos over faster internet, with online shopping, graphics and video now integral to promoting products and services online.
Finally competition is enhanced because the NBN is a wholesaler and as such provides a level playing field for retail providers to work in competition with one another, meaning businesses and citizens will have the ability to choose their preferred service provider.
Here in Canberra—a public service town—it is also undeniable that better broadband would lead to better government. The NBN means government services can be faster and more efficient and digital services can be delivered to citizens as they live, work, learn and play. It creates a more connected community by creating new ways of engaging with democracy and participating in civil society through social media, flexible working arrangements and social inclusion.
Just yesterday I spoke about My Gungahlin. Mark Scarborough, of My Gungahlin, spoke at our NBN forum about his business, which plays a key role in connecting families, people and businesses in the Gungahlin community. He said it is highly unlikely his business could have grown and thrived as it has and connected people without access to the NBN.
Our digital economy can be much better supported, accelerating our ability to strengthen the workforce, boost productivity, build ICT capacity and facilitate collaboration. And it ensures a more open government, transforming health and education services, and providing information and services in a format and time that suits people’s needs.
Madam Speaker, this motion also calls on the ACT government to continue to invest in Canberra’s future through digital Canberra. The ACT government has long recognised the importance of digital technology to the territory’s economic growth and diversification. Accordingly, we have put in place a range of initiatives to maximise the many opportunities that will arise.
The NBN is a significant contributor, the essential utility, that allows us to take advantage of all the opportunities of the digital economy. The success of the CBR Innovation Network, which is fast becoming the go-to place for digital entrepreneurs, is reinforcing Canberra’s reputation as a sophisticated centre for ICT business creation and development. The network is now engaging with over 1,000 people and businesses per month on entrepreneurship and company development.
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