Telstra shareholders fear break up: Video

What do Telstra shareholders think of the telco's new CEO David Thodey? And would they support the government's plan to separate Telstra? ZDNet.com.au asked shareholders these questions at the company's annual general meeting this week.

Going into this week's Telstra AGM, one may have wondered whether the company's shareholders would embrace the leadership team of David Thodey and Catherine Livingstone or pine for a return to the days of Trujillo.

The resounding response was that many of the shareholders are more than pleased with Thodey, but also far from pleased with the government's plans for its separation.

There were calls to "throw the government out" by shareholders because it "couldn't care less" about Telstra or its shareholders. While some were open to the possibility that splitting Telstra could be good for the nation, there was deep-seated fear and distrust of a government that had a "hidden agenda".

Shareholder fears appeared to stem from a belief that they were being kept in the dark over the government's negotiations with Telstra. One shareholder said that Communications Minister Stephen Conroy had not yet explained how a win-win outcome could be achieved.

And for avid contributors to ZDNet.com.au's feedback, keep an eye out for a certain prolific commenter that makes an appearance during this video.