Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:57): My thanks to Senator Carol Brown for her ongoing interest in the NBN. The Gillard government is committed to rolling out the NBN and providing all Australians with affordable and fast broadband regardless of where they live. Just last month I was in Armidale, New South Wales, switching on the NBN along with the Prime Minister, Mr Windsor, Miss Brittany Sisson and Miss Alex Hiscox—the senior and junior school captains of Presbyterian Ladies College. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When we have silence we will proceed. Senator CONROY: It was a significant event. If anyone is in any doubt about what having the NBN means for rural and regional communities, then they should go to Armidale themselves. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: If senators wish to debate the issue, the time is post question time—you know that. Senator CONROY: I am also pleased to confirm that NBN Co. recently struck an agreement with Silcar to begin the first large-scale deployment of fibre-optic cable for the NBN across Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT. This announcement represents almost 40 per cent of national construction activity planned over the next two years with pricing in line with the NBN Co.'s corporate plan. Importantly, this contract means that more and more Australian households will begin to reap the benefits of being connected to the NBN. This government recognises that investing in the NBN is about future-proofing Australia's future economic prosperity, its international competitiveness and its social wellbeing. I am confident that this deal represents good value for taxpayers and that the NBN Co. will continue to deliver the NBN on budget. (Time expired)