(Question No. 1434)

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, upon notice, on 17 March 2009:

(1) In addition to the project deed of the Kimberley Broadband Solutions Project, does the Federal Government retain a copy of the agreement signed between the Western Australian Government and the private partner in the project: if so, can a copy be provided.

(2) On what basis did the Federal Government reject NewSat Limited's application to register in the second round of the Australian Broadband Guarantee program in early 2008.

(3) Is the department aware of any requirement, either in the project deed or in any other contract signed by the Western Australian Government, the Federal Government and/or private partner in the project, for not only broadband infrastructure to be built in the vicinity of the 16 communities but also for communities to be made aware of the infrastructure's presence and for support services and sales to be provided so that the communities were able to sign up for the use of the infrastructure.

Senator Conroy-The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) Yes, the Federal Government does retain a copy of the agreement signed between the Western Australian Government and the private partner in the Kimberley Broadband Solutions project and a copy of the Financial Assistance Agreement is available from the Senate Table Office for your information.

(2) NewSat Limited's application for registration was declined as NewSat was unable to fully address the assessment criteria of the Australian Broadband Guarantee program as set out in the Australian Broadband Guarantee program guidelines publicly available at www.dbcde.gov.au

(3) The contract between NewSat and the WA Government required NewSat to undertake marketing and the implementation of a Community Development Plan (as outlined in Schedule 9 and Schedule 10 of the Financial Assistance Agreement) for the Kimberley Broadband Solutions project, available from the Senate Table Office.