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) (14:07): I thank Senator Cameron for his ongoing interest in this policy area. Today is a historic day. It represents the holy grail of telecommunications reform. It represents real change for the sector, with real competition resulting in a better deal for all consumers. This morning, Telstra and NBN Co. announced that they had signed the definitive agreements on the rollout of the National Broadband Network. The definitive agreements will allow for a cheaper, more efficient rollout of the NBN— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I need to hear the answer and there are two senators, one on either side, having a discussion. If they need to have a discussion they are entitled to go outside, but cease having the discussion now, please. Senator CONROY: It will see Australians experience the NBN sooner and faster. It will accelerate the government's delivery of superfast broadband to all Australians no matter where they live across our vast country. The signing of the documents also represents a watershed in telecommunications industry reform, providing the impetus for the structural separation of Telstra—a critical reform that will finally enable real competition. Just over 12 months ago, we signed the financial heads of agreements. Whilst it has taken a while to get to this position, we now have a legally binding agreement that will see Telstra progressively structurally separated by decommissioning its copper network and broadband HFC network capability during the NBN rollout. Before the definitive agreements can be considered by Telstra and the government, they need to receive ACCC approval. Today's deal, along with the recent announcements of the Silcar contract and the Ericsson fixed wireless— (Time expired)