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'Bribe' campaign to sell Telstra in bush scrapped
25 Mar 2004
A leaked document shows that the Federal Government has been putting together a $3.25 million advertising campaign to induce regional newspapers to run stories on improved telecommunications services in the bush. The campaign aimed to reduce negative publicity about the Government's plan to sell off its remaining 50.9 per cent stake in Telstra.
Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson defended the campaign, saying it's important for people in rural, regional and remote areas to be aware of the telecommunications opportunities the Government is creating for them. But he also said that "in the current circumstances" Telstra will not be sold off, as bush services are still not "up to scratch".
The Government has scrapped the planned newspaper campaign but a spokesperson for Communications Minister Daryl Williams would not say why.
The furore over the campaign came as a new survey showed that city dwellers are three times more likely to complain about their telecommunications services than people in rural areas.
Australian Financial Review, 25/3/04.
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