Shift thinking on NBN: Google boss
In her first interview since taking charge of Google Australia in July, Ms Carnegie has outlined plans for Google to better contribute to Australia's digital economy.
"I look at the energy around the NBN. At the moment, it's focused around cost. I'd love to talk about the benefits and how we can change the rhetoric, from cost to disruption." she said. "It feels like we could be on the cusp of renewal but I'm frustrated that we're not recognising the benefits."
As the former Australian boss of consumer goods multinational Procter & Gamble, Ms Carnegie's appointment underscores Google's shift from technology company to recognising its role as an advertising and marketing business.
On the subject of Google attracting attention for the low rate of corporate tax paid in Australia, the company insists it takes a global approach to tax rules.
"We comply with tax laws in Australia and paid over $2.5 billion in corporation tax globally last year, with an effective global corporate tax rate of almost 20 per cent," Ms Carnegie said.
Elsewhere, she pointed to the British government's push to have most public services online - and the cost savings and efficiencies drawn from this - as an example of where Australia should be heading. Ms Carnegie wants Google to partner with the Australian government in such initiatives.
She said she had reached out to Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull since the election.
"We've had a good relationship with the Liberals and I'm sure that will continue."
Full interview —Page 29
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Maile Carnegie said she is frustrated Australia isn’t recognising the broader economic benefits of the national broadband network (NBN). She wants the conversation to shift from focusing on cost to discussing disruption and the potential renewal and benefits the high‑speed infrastructure can bring.
In her first interview as Google Australia boss, Carnegie outlined plans for Google to better contribute to the digital economy, including partnering with government on digital initiatives and promoting the benefits of high‑speed infrastructure like the NBN rather than just its costs.
Google said it complies with Australian tax laws and noted it paid over $2.5 billion in corporation tax globally last year, with an effective global corporate tax rate of almost 20 percent, as part of its explanation of its global approach to tax rules.
Carnegie’s background as the former Australian boss of Procter & Gamble highlights Google’s evolving identity—from a pure technology company toward recognising its role as an advertising and marketing business in Australia.
Yes. Carnegie said she had reached out to Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull since the election and expressed that Google has had a good relationship with the Liberal government and expects that to continue, signalling a willingness to partner on digital initiatives.
Carnegie pointed to the British government’s push to put most public services online, highlighting the cost savings and efficiencies the UK has drawn from that approach as an example Australia could follow.
Google’s public support for the NBN and Carnegie’s emphasis on digital initiatives suggests the company sees strategic value in Australia’s high‑speed infrastructure. For everyday investors, that signals continued focus on digital services and advertising opportunities that rely on reliable broadband.
Carnegie wants to reframe NBN discussions away from upfront cost concerns toward the disruption and long‑term benefits it can deliver, arguing Australia may be on the cusp of renewal if those benefits are recognised and leveraged.
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