Firstly I would like to comment on the service provided by Telstra at present. I feel the service is good however there is always room for improvement. There has been quite a few increases in basic charges over the last year or so, (much higher than inflation) and I do not think there has been any increase in service to justify these increases. With the increase in technology access to these modern facilities should be made more affordable, with speedier access modes being the norm. In country areas Internet facility allows access to educational and reference materials not found locally.

I am against the full sale of Telstra for the following reasons; Government ownership of 51% of Telstra allows it to have final control of the management and directions this utility should take, it also allows a constant flow of revenue to the government coffers.

The total sale will see control go to private individuals and public companies, this will lead to reduced service as profits become the main issue, and reduced revenue to the government via normal tax avoidance methods used by big companies.

My main concern is that the eventual ownership will go to overseas interest. There are no laws or rules that Governments can put in place, ( that can be enforced for ever) that will stop overseas ownership.

I would also like to mention that I am a holder of "Telstra 2" shares and that if the sale does go through I trust that the Government sets the sale price of "Telstra 3" shares at least at the same price as Telstra 2, ($7.40). Should this not be the case protection's should be made to refund to "Telstra 2" share holders the difference between the price they had to pay and the price "Telstra 3" sells for.