One of the most frustrating parts of being a supporter of the current National Broadband Network (NBN) model is the constant misrepresentation of many of the aspects of the designs, financials, and rollout of the network.
While it is certainly true that the rollout hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped, the project is broadly on track, both in terms of costs and progress – despite what some people will try and tell you.
And today we say yet another infuriatingly inaccurate report in the Fairfax press.
When the Coalition’s alternative plan was unveiled in April, it was costed at $29 billion:
“…a cut down version of the Government’s national broadband network for $29 billion…”
Yet the Fairfax piece today seems to have ‘trimmed’ it down a fraction:
“…compared with the Opposition’s roughly $20 billion option using fibre to the node…”
Roughly?
Roughly $9 billion out? Despite the full article actually espousing the financial benefits of the existing model?
Why misrepresent the policies? And by such a large amount?
Disingenuity, incompetence, or bias?
I don’t know the answer, but something stinks.