Federal Independent MP Bob Katter today claimed that there was little difference between the broadband policies of the two major parties at a press conference this afternoon, where he announced his support for the Coalition.

“There were issues like broadband, where I think they weren’t all that far apart,” Katter said. However, the MP said he believed the ALP had a better “broadband deal”.

The telecommunications industry and other stakeholders broadly criticised the Coalition’s broadband policy when it was announced late in the election campaign, due to its more minimalist approach when compared with Labor’s $43 billion policy. The Coalition is only planning to spend $6 billion on its policy.

When asked if his decision would be different under former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Katter said he would have backed Labor — noting that he and Rudd had very similar views. However, Katter said he didn’t have any beef with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Labor Party.

Australia now waits for the other two independents’ — Rob Oakshott and Tony Windsor — decisions, which are scheduled to be announced at another press conference at 3pm today.

In late August, the three independents had pushed for more information regarding Labor’s NBN policy and requested briefings from Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and his Shadow, Tony Smith — amongst other requested briefings from various caretaker ministers.

In the same month, Prime Minister Julia Gillard had requested for the three members to meet with her and NBN Co chief executive Mike Quigley to discuss the NBN.

In february this year, Katter — along with Conroy and Leighton executive Peter McGrath — launched a fibre optic rollout in Mt Isa, Northern Queensland.

Image credit: WikiTownsvillian, GNU Free Documentation License

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1. Chad
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 3:45 pm | Permalink | Reply

   “I think they weren’t all that far apart”..

   Uhh.. one wants to build the NBN, the other doesn’t… I’d call that polarised.

2. Crazie
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 4:54 pm | Permalink | Reply

   For a guy that intially say the NBN is for the good of the country then backflips; saying the coalition’s scheme is just as good; Katter you’re a one a kind.

   Problem is; no one knows what kind you are.

   • Simon Reidy
     Posted 07/09/2010 at 6:22 pm | Permalink | Reply

     haha. Gold. The man is genuinely insane. The coalition can have him!

3. A.L
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 6:29 pm | Permalink | Reply

   Hahaha….Poor Krazy Katter.

4. Myke
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 7:35 pm | Permalink | Reply

   nutter!

5. kye
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 8:02 pm | Permalink | Reply

   This guy is a true nut. What electorate is he from? Education should be the most important thing for that area.

6. smiddy
   Posted 07/09/2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink | Reply

   Just wondering who is running the book and what odds on Kat… rejoining the Country Party. He sure is operating as a typical indocrinated/brain washed recruit.
   Jeff

7. DevoDave
   Posted 08/09/2010 at 8:20 am | Permalink | Reply

   Does Katter even know what broadband is. He probably thinks its the width of the band around your hat or something equally stupid