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Smith appointed as shadow communications and broadband minister

Former assistant treasurer to lead opposition's broadband push

The opposition has selected Tony Smith to takeover as shadow minister for broadband, communications and the digital economy. The appointment comes as part of a ministerial reshuffle following Tony Abbott’s appointment as opposition leader.

Smith is the federal member for Casey in Victoria and was one of several House of Representative ministers to resign his post after former opposition leader, Malcolm Turnbull, voted to approve the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme bill last week.

Smith was formerly assistant treasurer. Prior to Turnbull’s appointment in September 2008, he held the shadow ministry for Education, Apprenticeships and Training.

Smith kicked off his career as a media and then senior adviser to Peter Costello during his time as treasurer. He took over the seat of Casey in 2001 and was appointed parliamentary secretary under John Howard in January 2007. He has also been on several standing committees including science and innovation.

“I believe that Tony’s considerable financial skills will increase scrutiny on the government’s $43 billion broadband network which is being foisted on Australian taxpayers without even a business plan,” Abbott said during the announcement of the new line-up.

Senator Nick Minchin, who was previously in charge of the broadband portfolio, takes over resources and energy.

Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.

More about: etwork

Comments

1

Ben

Tue 08/12/2009 - 17:54

Clear position

Here's hoping we get a clear position of his stance on Internet censorship.

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Tags: communications and the digital economy., Communications and the Digital Economy, John Howard, malcolm turnbull, Peter Costello, Senator Nick Minchin, shadow minister for broadband, tony smith
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