If you're wondering why there's little real substance to the media stories - here's why - the official press release:

10th July, 1998 - Government extends untimed local calls to remote Australians - Media Release

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Then the following message was posted to the aussie-isp mailing list yesterday (10th July 1998):

Subject: [Oz-ISP] Last chance on telstra sale

For those of you who live in a cave and have not heard the news, the Govt has gagged debate in the senate so it can push the legislation through for the full sale of telstra _this weekend_.

If, like me, you belive that the only way there can be true competition in the telecommunications industry, is for the cabling and infrastructure to remain in Govt hands and be available for all carriers and CSP's to use then you must make your voice heard TODAY. This could be your last chance. Please contact your local senator and the leaders of the parties in the senate and tell them your views.

I have included the names, Parliamentary contact details, and where available email addresses for the leaders of the parties in the senate below (from http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/index.htm )

Fax and email them. Tell them what you think and get your clients and customers to do the same.

This will be our last best hope ( and there is no other, yoda!!!!!)

Leader of the Australian Labor Party:
Senator the Hon J Faulkner

Parliament Contact: Tel: (02) 6277 3233 Fax: (02) 6277 3415

Email: john.faulkner@aph.gov.au

Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party:
Senator the Hon P Cook

Tel: (02) 6277 3700 Fax: (02) 6277 3013

Email: senator.cook@aph.gov.au

Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia:
Senator the Hon R Hill

Tel: (02) 6277 7640 Fax: (02) 6273 6101

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia:
Senator the Hon R K R Alston

Tel: (02) 6277 7480 Fax: (02) 6273 4154

Email: ralston@dca.gov.au

Leader of the National Party of Australia:
Senator R L D Boswell

Tel: (02) 6277 3244 Fax: (02) 6277 3246

Email: senator.boswell@aph.gov.au

Deputy Leader of the National Party of Australia:
Senator the Hon D Brownhill

Tel: (02) 6277 3705 Fax: (02) 6277 3247

Email: senator.brownhill@aph.gov.au

Leader of the Australian Democrats:
Senator M Lees

Tel: (02) 6277 3991 Fax: (02) 6277 3996

Email: senator.lees@aph.gov.au

Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats:
Senator N Stott Despoja

Tel: (02) 6277 3645 Fax: (02) 6277 3235

Email: senator.stottdespoja@aph.gov.au

Australian Greens:
Brown Bob, Senator for Tasmania

Tel: (02) 6277 3170 Fax: (02) 6277 3588

Email: senator.brown@aph.gov.au

Independent:
Colston Mal, Senator for Queensland

Tel: (02) 6277 3690 Fax: (02) 6277 3694

Email: senator.colston@aph.gov.au

Harradine Brian, Senator for Tasmania

Tel: (02) 6277 3735 Fax: (02) 6277 3739

Email: senator.harradine@aph.gov.au

The Greens (WA), Margetts Dee, Senator for Western Australia

Tel: (02) 6277 3599 Fax: (02) 6277 3588

Email: senator.margetts@aph.gov.au