It did much of the conceptual work, and it demonstrated that the proposal was feasible. Governments then took the idea up, and it was concluded in record time because much of the preliminary work had been done. The WTO telecommunications agreement Telecommunications are the backbone of modern business. I therefore welcome the recent successful outcome of the negotiations on basic telecommunications in the World Trade Organization. Australia is a leader in telecommunications reform.
Australian firms are very competitive in the provision of services.
The agreement will underpin further growth in the telecommunications services trade. This will lead to more opportunities and jobs in the sector. Australia did not have to make any policy changes as part of our undertakings for this agreement, and liberalisation in many of the key markets will take place soon after the implementation of Australia's domestic reforms initiated by the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston. The Australian telecommunications industry contributed in important ways to the refinement of Australian negotiating priorities. A clear focus on commercial objectives enabled the negotiators to focus on key markets.