TECHNOLOGY SPECTATOR: Forget strategy, Conroy needs a reason

Taken individually, none of the goals set out in Stephen Conroy's digital strategy require a multi-billion dollar, fibre-to-the-premises network.

By Stilgherrian ·
3 Jun 2011

Technology Spectator

Oh here we go. The National Digital Economy Strategy will position Australia as a "leading digital economy” by 2020, says communications minister Senator Stephen Conroy. His shadow, Malcolm Turnbull calls it "Conroy's Digital Economy Con". Con. Conroy. Geddit?

Twenty-first century politics, that is right there.

So, Mr Turnbull, I've repeated your framing. Mission accomplished. Can we all go home now?

The NDES launched by Conroy on Tuesday is two documents in one. First, it sets some goals. In 2020, Australia will be one of the top five OECD countries in eight specific metrics. Then there's a bunch of supporting material that explains the benefits of broadband and shows how various government and industry initiatives would supposedly support these goals in what is really a promotional piece for the National Broadband Network.

The goals themselves are measurable, sensible – even rather modest, in my opinion.