OPTUS WELCOMES LANDMARK DECISION ON REGULATORY REFORM

Optus today welcomed the landmark decision by the Federal Government to reform the regulatory environment governing the Australian telecommunications sector.

"The Federal Government today made an important step in reforming the telecommunications sector with its proposed changes to the regulatory regime. It is a landmark decision that has the potential to change the entire telecommunications landscape forever, resulting in considerable benefits for all Australians," Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said.

The Government's draft legislation closely mirrors the model Optus put forward in its submission to the Government's regulatory reform discussion paper on 3 June 2009. Optus has long advocated for a regulatory framework built around four key pillars including: structural separation; open access principles; cost-based pricing; and ACCC oversight.

Maha Krishnapillai, Optus Director Government and Corporate Affairs said, "We are encouraged by today's announcement and believe that the proposed reforms will address many of the issues which have adversely impacted competition in the Australian telecommunications industry over the last 12 years. We look forward to examining the draft legislation in further detail over the coming weeks."

"The Government has made its intentions clear. It is now up to the parliament, Telstra and the rest of the industry to ensure this long overdue reform becomes a reality," Mr. O'Sullivan said.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Greene
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850