MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY
 

STATEMENT ON TPG-VODAFONE MERGER DECISION

 
Labor acknowledges the decision of the Federal Court to give Vodafone and TPG permission to merge.

The telecommunications industry has been navigating a long and difficult period. Labor hopes today’s decision can deliver the certainty the industry needs.
 
The Australian mobile market is delivering good value and choice for consumers.

Our mobile networks are ranked fourth in the world, and mobile prices, in real terms, have declined over the past decade.
 
Investment is a critical part of ensuring Australia remains a world leader with high quality networks.
 
As I noted in October 2019, if the industry doesn’t have optimal scale, infrastructure synergies, or balance sheets to deliver ongoing investment, we run the risk of falling behind and not having optimal competition.
 
I am of the view that today’s decision provides Vodafone and TPG with the certainty they need to move forward and deliver in the interests of consumers.
   
THURSDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2020