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) (14:56): I thank the senator for his questions and ongoing interest in the NBN. Last week I released NBN Co's 2012-15 corporate plan. Important progress has been made by the government and NBN since the publication of the 2010 corporate plan. Since then legislation has been passed, contracts have been signed, firm agreements have been put in place and there is greater regulatory certainty. With this greater certainty the capital cost of the NBN is $37.4 billion, a modest increase of 3.9 per cent. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator CONROY: The plan released last week is therefore NBN's first operational plan. It confirmed that the NBN is a sound investment that will pay its own way and generate a 7.1 per cent return to the taxpayer. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator Brandis interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I remind those on my left that shouting across the chamber is disorderly. The minister is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator CONROY: Economics 101, natural monopoly—look it up, George! In February the member for Wentworth said that he would hold the government to account on its promise of construction being underway or completed for 758,000 premises by the end of this year. The corporate plan confirms that the government is on track to meet this target that Mr Turnbull is going to hold us to. Fibre will have been commenced or completed in 758,000 premises by the end of 2012. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator Brandis interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Continue, Minister. Senator CONROY: The plan demonstrates that the government is delivering on its commitment. Its rollout is on target, prices are coming down and you get a return to the taxpayer. (Time expired)