http://www.itnews.com.au/News/160250,telstra-split-bill-one-vote-...

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/160250,telstra-split-bill-one-vote-short.aspx

The Government requires the support of Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, Family First Senator Steve Fielding and independent Senator Nick Xenophon after the Coalition announced it would oppose the bill this year.

Xenophon told iTnews that after meetings with Communications Minister Stephen Conroy and the industry, he is convinced of the need to act on telecommunications regulation without delay

Should Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce maintain his position, and amendments suggested by Ludlam and Xenophon be accepted by the Government, the ball will be firmly in the court of Family First Senator Steve Fielding.

While he is "yet to finalise a position on the bill", Fielding initially expressed concerns for Telstra shareholders and remains wary of the possibility that "the legislation is a gun being held at Telstra's head".

"We are not looking to delay this legislation," the spokesperson said, "but remove that gun so that good faith negotiations between Telstra and the Government can take their course."

Senator Fielding's office has since contacted iTnews to clarify the Senator's position, stating that he is "happy to have the debate over whether the bill should be delayed."