The Secretary,

Senate Environment, Communications Information Technology and Arts Legislation Committee,

Parliament House, Canberra.

With reference to the proposed sale of the remaining 51% of Telstra I wish to state, in very strong terms, my absolute opposition to such a procedure.  I have spoken to many friends, both Liberal and Labor supporters, and they are all of the opinion that it is a ridiculous situation to be asked to support the privatisation of more of our assets.  Sure we could retire some of our foreign debt with proceeds from the sale but that would be a once off happening.  It does not make sense, can I say it again, to sell off such a valuable asset that really belongs to the Australian people.

Telstra should be obliged to redirect some of its profit back into Rural areas which seems to miss out on the many advantages offered to City dwellers.  I am a share holder but first and foremost I am a concerned Aussie.  Please keep for our future generations the remaining 51% of Telstra.

Sincerely,   Judy Costigan.   13 Fuller Crt. Noosaville.   4566.