Telstra inquiry: we lose

Issue 

Telstra inquiry: we lose

The federal government, which wants to sell the remaining 50.1% of Telstra, announced an inquiry into Telstra service levels on March 19.

The inquiry is chaired by Tim Besley, who headed the Commonwealth Bank when it was being privatised. The other members are Jane Bennett, an adviser to the federal government, and a reputedly "flexible" former National Party parliamentarian, Ray Braithwaite.

The inquiry will not hold public hearings. What we will learn about the inquiry will be what it chooses to tell us.

It is clear that this body's assessment of Telstra's service will be what the government wants to hear: a justification for privatising the rest of the massively profitable telecommunications company.

If the inquiry says service is good, the legal imposition of service obligations on Telstra will be seen to have worked and the sale can proceed. If the inquiry's findings are ambiguous or damning — the most likely outcome, since the Australian Communication Authority has already found that Telstra fails to meet required standards for work such as new phone connections — the government will say public ownership fails to ensure good services, and the sale will still go ahead.

Either way, the people of Australia lose.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.