Paul Fletcher MP, the Federal Member for Bradfield delivered his Maiden Speech in Australian Parliament in Canberra yesterday.

Mr Fletcher commented on the Government’s proposed National Broadband Network - outlining his view based on his nearly 15 years working on public policy in the communications sector, as an adviser to Communications Minister, Richard Alston—and later as a senior executive at Optus.

"When a government commits, for example, to a $43 billion national broadband network without a cost benefit study, that is a travesty… I am a strong believer that, having high-speed broadband widely available is socially and economically desirable, but I think this plan is ill-judged. On the cost side, the network design is hugely expensive when compared to alternatives like fibre to the node or wireless. But the revenue side is even riskier." Mr Fletcher said.

Mr Fletcher went on to outline his interest and passion for sound and responsible economic and social policy.

"When it comes to economic issues, my instinct is for open markets, free competition and as little state interference as possible. And when it comes to social issues, I start with the same preference. I am a believer in the rights of the individual and I am suspicious of the state seeking to exercise control over personal choices," Mr Fletcher said.

To download the full Maiden Speech, click here.