[LINK] Mobile Phone for USO

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Frank writes,

> As you pointed out, telcos already offer this service for remote
> clientele ... so why shouldn't it be continued with the NBN?


It might perhaps seem a reasonable compromise. However, considering the
FULL resource capability of our Internet/NBN, one might expect we could
do better than provide a basic telephone resource for our disadvantaged.

Perhaps some system for cheaper 3G/4G mobile-data coverage, one expects.

According to this poll result today, 55% (plus) of us may readily agree:


"Attitudes to Government and Government Services"

by Ian McAllister, Australian National Institute of Public Policy 
<http://apo.org.au/research/attitudes-government-and-government-services>

26th October 2011. A growing number of Australians are concerned about 
the quality of government, according to the latest ANU poll.

The poll, 'Attitudes to government and government services' probed public 
views on government and government services and how these services should 
change in the years ahead. 

It found that satisfaction with democracy in Australia had declined to 
its lowest level since 1998, after peaking in 2007, although it still 
remained high by international standards.

There was strong support in the poll for more expenditure on social 
services, with 55 per cent of respondents in favour of this suggestion. 

On the other hand 39 per cent wanted reduced taxes, which was 
substantially lower than in 1987, when 65 per cent took this view.

The poll also found that most Australians wanted more taxes on banks, 
mining companies and companies producing carbon pollution and there was 
strong support for tax cuts for small businesses, people with low incomes 
and those contributing to retirement funds.

Among the other findings from the poll:

* half of the population believes that the Federal Government has enough 
power;

* more people believe that unemployment and taxes have increased, but the 
standard of living has improved;

* the public is generally supportive of reforms to the tax and welfare 
systems; and

* 40 per cent of respondents prefer to deal with a government department 
in person.

--

Cheers
Stephen