Senator CONROY (Victoria—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:41): Given that Mr O'Farrell has told the New South Wales schools not to join up, Senator Brandis— Senator Brandis interjecting— Senator CONROY: That is just a fact. Look at the Illawarra Mercury—it is right there in black and white. The best way to avoid meeting the targets of the National Broadband Network Company is to elect those opposite, because they only have one plan. Mr Turnbull recently called on NBN Co. not to sign any more contracts. He wants to pretend that he is going to finish the NBN, but he has told them to stop signing the contracts. The best way to avoid meeting any NBN Co. target is to stop signing contracts. Mr Abbott has even indicated that he is not going to spend a cent on the National Broadband Network. Senator Birmingham: Mr President, I rise on a point of order on a matter of direct relevance. The question was about the meeting of targets by 30 June. Given the election date is apparently 14 September, I cannot possibly see how the coalition's policies are relevant to achieving a 30 June target date set by the minister. You commit; do you still stand by it? The PRESIDENT: The minister has one minute remaining. I draw the minister's attention to the question. Senator CONROY: As I was saying, Mr Abbott has actually said there will be no money for the coalition NBN plan. They are going to save $50 billion—no money for your plan. The NBN Co. provides detailed reporting of its performance to the parliament and the public. At senate estimates in February, NBN Co. CEO Mike Quigley informed the committee of the initial deployment challenges being faced and experienced by NBN Co.'s contractors. I think Senator Birmingham was present. In particular, Mr Quigley highlighted that workforce mobilisation issues were being faced particularly by Syntheo in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. I am seeking further information— Senator Brandis: Mr President, I rise on a point of order on a question of direct relevance. We have been very patient with this minister, but he was asked whether he stood by a commitment that the NBN would pass 286,000 premises by 30 June. He has given context, but he does have time to give the assurance that was asked of him or to tell the Senate that he cannot give that assurance. But that was the only he was asked, and you should direct him to it. The PRESIDENT: I cannot direct the minister how to answer the question. I did draw the minister's attention to the question at the one minute mark. The minister has 12 seconds remaining. I draw the minister's attention to the question. Senator CONROY: Mr President, as I was saying, I am seeking further information from NBN Co. about the proposed actions contractors will take to address these challenges. But let me make it clear: we are determined— (Time expired)