Hurley, like Internet Australia chief executive Laurie Patton, is no fan of the NBN, describing it as having a "technical inferiority".
Hurley says she originally joined IA because of disappointment with the NBN currently being rolled out.
She is replacing George Fong, who is standing down but staying on as honorary secretary. Hurley began her professional career as a lawyer specialising in competition law and telecommunications policy and regulation.
And, as well as her role with CA, she held roles at the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, the Australian Services Roundtable and the Internet Industry Association.
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Commenting on her appointment as chair, Hurley pointed to the need for Australia to build a “21st century broadband network capable of fulfilling our long-term needs”.
“I joined IA specifically because I was so disappointed with the NBN currently being rolled out despite its obvious fundamental technical inferiority. Like George, I firmly believe that IA is the right organisation to take up the challenge of convincing our politicians that we need to abandon the use of ageing copper wires and revert to building a future-proofed NBN based on fibre.”
Fong says his decision to stand aside as chair reflects his belief that ongoing board renewal is critical to the success of volunteer-based organisations such as IA.
“It has been my pleasure to lead IA towards a new path of greater influence and increased industry stature. I am now making way for a new chair who I know will continue the work that I and our chief executive have been spearheading for the last two years.”
Patton welcomed the changes, expressing his thanks to Fong for his support during his period as chair “and his willingness to stay involved as secretary”.
“Both George and Anne are providing IA, and me, with the benefit of their considerable industry experience and infectious enthusiasm. While they are exchanging roles I’m confident both will ensure we further develop our key role representing everyone who uses the Internet.”
Patton referred to IA’s campaign for a better broadband network and his recent call on the prime minister to abandon the NBN rollout of copper wire based FTTN technology.