7. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister for Information Technology
Has he received any further reports on financing improvements to New Zealand’s broadband network?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister for Information Technology) Link to this
Yes, I have seen reported yesterday in the Dominion Post that Maurice Williamson opposes Government investment in the country’s broadband infrastructure. He was contradicting his leader, John Key, who was proposing Government funding, and, oddly enough, he was siding with co-leader Bill English, who also rejected the idea.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes, in the same Dominion Post article Maurice Williamson is then quoted as proposing the adoption of the Australian Labor Party policy to pour the equivalent of $4.7 billion into broadband, thus contradicting both himself and both his co-leaders all in the same article, and demonstrating the wisdom of his usual approach of remaining invisible.
Gerry BrownleeI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It was a rare moment, but I did listen to that Minister’s answer. He referred again to the co-leaders of the National Party. There are no such people. Given that the House is particularly insistent that we do not refer to the state of “Helengrad” when we are talking about the Prime Minister, I think it would be appropriate for you to act, as you have previously said you would, and pull Ministers up for this sort of childish behaviour.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, may I say that no slight was intended; simply, there is confusion about who is, in fact, the responsible spokesman for the National Party—
Madam SPEAKERNo, that is not appropriate. I am sorry I did not pick up the term. I just ask the Minister to—[ Interruption] Do members wish to stay in the Chamber? When I am on my feet and speaking members will be quiet. Would the Minister please address the question in the appropriate way.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I am very happy to repeat my answer with the amendment requested. Yes, in the same Dominion Post report Maurice Williamson is then quoted as proposing the adoption of the Australian Labor Party policy to pour the equivalent of $4.7 billion into broadband, thus contradicting himself and both his leaders all in the same article, and demonstrating the wisdom of his usual approach of remaining invisible.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
Can the Minister assure the House that any financing of improvements to New Zealand’s broadband network will include rural networks; if not, why not?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Absolutely. The rural network is essential to New Zealand and I dare say it is in need of significant reinvestment.
Hon Maurice Williamson Link to this
Can I ask the Minister to answer a question that I have put down as a written question but that he refuses to reply to, which is simply: where has New Zealand moved from and to in the broadband penetration table since 1999, when the OECD first started collecting the data and when Labour first came to power?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
As a result of a decade of inaction by National, which presided over the most bizarre light-handed regulation of telecommunications in OECD experience, New Zealand, sadly, slipped to 22nd out of 30 countries in the OECD. I am delighted to announce to the House that in the last 12 months, as a result of the Government’s stocktake policies, we have come up one place.