ALGA dismisses Telecommunications Code as a sell out.

From News Release, dated 4 August 1996) :

"The Australian Local Government Association has dismissed the draft Telecommunications National Code as a sell out to the powerful carriers at the expense of local community interests.

ALGA President Mayor David Plumridge said "the long-awaited draft code has failed to pick up any of the major recommendations from the Austel Review."

"The draft Code has also totally ignored Local Government proposals for giving priority to sharing underground ducts and cables, co-location of facilities and ensuring an effective dispute resolution process."

"Clearly Senator Alston is not prepared to stand up for the demands of the community to protect their environment from the onslaught of the cable roll-out."

"Mayor Plumridge said that "the draft code encourages carriers to continue with their 'cheap and nasty' cable roll-out - a 'horse and buggy' expedient in a country that claims to be "smart" and at the forefront of new technology."

"Add to that the shear stupidity of duplicating a network and it is obvious that successive governments have sold us out" a frustrated Mayor Plumridge said.

To make matters worse Telstra have now been forced to abandon their underground upgrading and go overhead to keep up with Optus who refuses to even talk about co-location and sharing options for their local networks.

"The Labor Government created the problem but the Coalition has failed to deliver on its election promise to strengthen the draft National Code and promote the use of co-located cables and towers"

The ALGA, on behalf of councils across Australia has analyzed the draft Code and made a comprehensive submission to AUSTEL. The Government's contempt of local communities is further demonstrated by the "ridiculously short time for consultation."

Contact: Mayor David Plumridge AM, President, Australian Local Government Association

Ph. 0418 806 487 (Mobile )

(08) 264 1405 (Home )