Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee

Malcolm Roberts

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, by no later than midday on Monday, 19 August 2024, the government response to the interim report of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee on the shutdown of the 3G mobile network.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave is granted for one minute.

The telcos have today decided to delay the 3G switchover until the end of October. The government agrees this is a positive development to ensure every effort can be made to ensure public safety during this process. Given the public interest in ensuring accurate information is shared, our government has set about preparing a response to the committee at an expedited rate.

What interests me is the hypocrisy of the coalition on the expediency of government responses to committee reports. In 1973 the Senate expressed its opinion that reports of committees should be responded to within three months. This resolution has stood for 51 years. It is surprising that those opposite have discovered a sudden interest in the production of government responses given the hundreds left without any response for years by their government, many by those who were ministers in that government and who have now sponsored this motion.

Malcolm Roberts

I note other co-sponsors of this motion include senators Canavan and Rennick, McKenzie, Cadell, McDonald and Colbeck, as well as Senator Babet.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business of motion No. 567 standing in the name of Senator Roberts and others be agreed to.