The deadline is approaching for submissions to a Senate Inquiry into the Howard Government's plans to sell Telstra and Labor wants all Australians concerned about the further sale of Telstra to tell the Inquiry why Telstra should never be sold.

Labor Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese said Labor was absolutely opposed to the privatisation of Telstra. The Howard Government is pushing ahead with its plans to sell Telstra against the wishes of an overwhelming majority of Australians.

“A fully privatised Telstra would concentrate on its most lucrative customers, it would leave town faster than the banks.”

The deadline for public submissions to the Inquiry has been extended by a week to Tuesday 23 September, following concerns from Labor about the short timeframe and lack of Government advertising about the inquiry.

Labor wants all regional Australians to have their say and let the Liberal and National Parties get the message that Telstra should never be sold.

“Many communities, small businesses and individuals are already suffering from poor telecommunications services due to cutbacks in Telstra's staff and investment under the Howard Government,” said Mr Albanese.

“Telecommunications services will only get worse if John Howard and John Anderson get their way and sell the rest of this public asset.”

A public hearing will be held at NSW State Parliament House (Jubilee Room) on Monday 29 September 2003 for anyone who may be interested in attending.

Australians opposed to the sale of Telstra should contact the Senate's ECITA Committee preferably by email to ecita.sen@aph.gov.au by Tuesday 23 September. Submissions by mail can be sent to The Secretary, Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600, or faxed to 02 6277 5818.

The final report is due on 14 October. Together, let's keep Telstra public.