Hon Maurice Williamson MP
National Party Communications & IT Spokesman
11 July 2006

Webb: was he pushed or did he jump?

The Government must say whether departing Telecommunications Commissioner Douglas Webb was pushed or jumped of his own accord, says National's Communications & IT spokesman, Maurice Williamson.

“His appointment has proved to be a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money,” says Mr Williamson.

“He recommended against local loop unbundling last term, a recommendation that Labour accepted.

“But just before the Budget the unbundling plan, from an administration desperate to be seen to be doing something, was leaked.

“National did not support the appointment of a Telecommunications Commissioner in the first place, and his job has proved to be totally redundant. National also wants to know if he’s got a golden handshake.

“Mr Webb has said he will help ensure a smooth transition for a new commissioner, but what’s the point of the role when Labour just regulates of its own accord anyway?

“National is supporting the Government’s unbundling legislation to a select committee but has reserved its position beyond that.

“National supports access to quality, high-speed broadband, but we want the Labour Government to come up with evidence that unbundling will work.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media