Dodges Ferry resident, Jared Batchelor, is one of many Tasmanians who’ll be left cheated and betrayed if Tony Abbott wins the Federal election next Saturday, and foolishly abandons the National Broadband Network.

Tasmania’s Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Rebecca White, today said Mr Batchelor would not only be robbed of the opportunity to access to super-fast broadband in coming months and years, but could also cruelly and needlessly lose his job.

Mr Batchelor is working as a contract laborer on the roll-out at Midway Point.

“There’s a real excitement about the work that we’re doing, and it’s great to be part of such an exciting project that everyone’s talking about,” Mr Batchelor said.“But I’m nervous. If the NBN is abandoned, I could be out of a job – it’s as simple as that. There’s a real uncertainty now, hanging over all our jobs.

“I’m also sick of having a slow, almost “third-world” internet service at Dodges Ferry,” Mr Batchelor said.

“My sister lives at Midway Point, where the NBN’s just been connected. The difference between her internet speed and mine, and what she can access compared to me, is really incredible.

“I can’t wait to get the same sort of access from the NBN, assuming it goes ahead,” he said.Ms White said Mr Batchelor’s concerns reflected the fears of many Tasmanians, if Tony Abbott and the Liberals win government and scrap the NBN.     “

I’m advised almost 200 people have been employed so far, on the first stage of the roll-out alone,” she said.

“Abandoning the NBN now would destroy those local jobs, as well as the thousands of jobs to yet to come from the wider roll-out, and the tens-of-thousands linked to business and investment opportunities made possible by high-speed broadband, itself.  

“The Government again calls on Mr Hodgman to show an ounce of conviction and leadership and stand up to Mr Abbott’s plan to demolish the NBN. 

“Tasmania has the opportunity to lead the world with broadband technology and improve the way services are delivered, businesses operate, and consumers interact online.  

“Regional Tasmania in particular has so much to lose if super fast broadband isn’t rolled out, as planned. Why should regional Tasmania continue to suffer sub-standard communications technology when we have a real chance now to change our future?

The Federal Labor Member for Franklin, Julie Collins said Tasmania had enormous potential for broadband technology to innovate, compete and prosper in the new digital economy.

“If Tony Abbott is elected next Saturday the National Broadband Network roll out across Tasmania will stop,” Ms Collins said.

“This will cost Tasmania jobs now. It will stop Tasmanians accessing new jobs in the future and accessing improved education and health services.”