08/09/05
The Federal Government had misled the nation in its claim that Telstra is ready for sale.
Regional Development Minister John Bowler said John Howard had effectively withheld information from the Australian public in a bid to make Telstra look good.
“The Western Australian Government remains totally opposed to the sale of Telstra and the latest reports are evidence of why the national telecommunications carrier should not be sold,” Mr Bowler said.
There have been 14.3 million fault calls in the current Telstra network, which represents faults with more than 14 per cent of all lines and shows how significant investment is required in the network for proactive maintenance.
“Telstra also has an ageing workforce and there has been a lack of training in new workers,” the Minister said.
“While Telstra has been using its reserves to prop-up the dividends paid to shareholders to make it appear like a good investment, its network and service to people across the nation has continued to be sub-standard.
“Telstra is not at a point suitable for sale.
“John Howard has betrayed the people of Australia.
“He has done a deal to get Telstra sold, knowing that Telstra is not right to sell.”
Minister's office: 9213 6500
