Internet Australia, AIIA urge Turnbull to fast-track NBN

Internet Australia has called on prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to fast-track the construction of the national broadband network.

The peak body representing Internet users wants Turnbull to acknowledge the Abbott government’s failure to understand the importance of the Internet.

“Of all the politicians in Federal parliament, Mr Turnbull knows better than most the value of an effective broadband service to our economic future. This is an opportunity to put Australia back in the game by fast-tracking broadband construction,” said Internet Australia CEO, Laurie Patton.

“The Internet is the engine that will drive innovation and create much needed 21 century jobs. Over the past two years, Australia has fallen behind other OECD countries in the rankings for Internet-enabled offices and homes. We cannot allow this to continue,” he said.

The AIIA also said it supported Turnbull’s vision to built an agile, innovative and creative Australia.

“Mr Turnbull has been a strong advocate for the digital economy. As prime minister, we look forward to an accelerated rollout of the NBN and increased attention to how it will be used more effectively to drive innovation across all industries and provide a platform for the jobs of the future,” AIIA CEO, Suzanne Campbell said.

Meanwhile, StartupAUS said Turnbull’s business acumen and his knowledge of and well known support for the Australian technology sector will provide him with unique insights into the barriers facing startups.

“In the next two decades, startups have the potential to contribute up to US$109 million in growth to the economy and create 540,000 new jobs,” said StartupAUS, CEO Peter Bradd.

“This is a critical time for Australian startups. There is so much to be gained if we can grow this important part of our business community. But we must act swiftly and decisively in this area and we need the support of our federal government to lead a unified, centralised approach to building this ecosystem,” he said.

Follow CIO Australia on Twitter and Like us on Facebook… Twitter: @CIO_Australia, Facebook: CIO Australia, or take part in the CIO conversation on LinkedIn: CIO Australia

Follow Byron Connolly on Twitter:@ByronConnolly