National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 — Consideration in Detail — Freedom of information

The majority voted against an amendment introduced by Liberal MP Malcolm Turnbull, which means that it was rejected.

The amendment would have made the NBN Co a prescribed authority for the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 so that it is not obliged to produce certain documents, such as commercially confidential documents, trade secrets and legal documents.(Read Mr Turnbull's full explanation of his amendment here, after 8:09 pm. )

Background to the bill

The bill was introduced to establish a regulatory framework for ownership, governance and operation of the NBN Co and its subsidiary corporations.(Read more about the bill in its bills digest. ) It was introduced along with the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures-Access Arrangements) Bill 2010.(Read more about that related bill in its bills digest.)

The NBN Co was created to build and operate the National Broadband Network ('NBN'), a key Labor Government policy.