Opposition slams average NBN salary

Wages paid to employees of the National Broadband Company totalled $1.5 million for one month during 2009, the Senate has heard.

The figures mean the 46 stuff employed by the NBN Co. were paid an average of $391,304. Chief executive Mike Quigley has recorded the highest salary at $1.95 million.

However, the NBN co. has defended the salaries, saying the $1.5 million figure is actually recorded over three months, indicating that average salaries would be much lower.

The figures come as it was revealed yesterday former Queensland MP Mike Kaiser was given a role in the NBN Co. due to a recommendation from communications minister Stephen Conroy.

The Opposition has attacked the wages bill, saying they were too high, “for a company that has no customers, generates no revenue and provides no services to anyone”.