Sydney: the Australian government plans to use the expected A$30b windfall from Telstra's sale to buy shares in other companies, rather than pay off debts

Telecom Asia, April, 2005

The Australian government plans to use the expected A$30b ($23.8b) windfall from Telstra's sale to buy shares in other companies, rather than pay off debts. Finance Minister Nick Minchin says the purchase of shares or bonds would help Australia to finance services in the future, but opponents argue that the money should be used immediately to fund road and rail projects.