Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Communications moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to strengthen consumer protections in the telecommunications sector. The legislation introduces a registration scheme for service providers, makes industry codes directly enforceable, and significantly increases penalty limits for breaches. The Minister highlighted broad stakeholder support for these reforms, which are designed to empower the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in this segment.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 26 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, which sought to strengthen consumer protections through a carriage service provider registration scheme and increased enforcement powers. Michael McCormack supported the legislation while highlighting regional connectivity issues, whereas David Smith argued the bill was essential for protecting consumers from poor service and high costs. Both speakers endorsed the bill's principles regarding consumer safeguards and regulatory accountability. The debate concluded with the bill commended to the House, though its passage before the election was deemed unlikely.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House for further consideration.

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3. Thursday 27 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, which aimed to strengthen consumer protections by enhancing the enforcement powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Labor members supported the legislation, citing the need for higher penalties, a new registration scheme, and direct enforcement of industry codes to address rising complaint rates and irresponsible selling practices. Conversely, National Party and Liberal members raised concerns regarding the impact of the 3G network shutdown on regional connectivity and criticized the government's telecommunications policy. The Minister for Communications outlined specific regulatory improvements, including increased penalty caps, before the bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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4. Thursday 27 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Communications introduced legislation to strengthen consumer protections in the telecommunications sector. The bill aims to increase penalties for misconduct, streamline enforcement processes, and improve market visibility through a new registration scheme. It addresses issues such as misleading representations and unconscionable conduct by providers. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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6. Thursday 4 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, which aimed to strengthen consumer protections by increasing penalties, establishing a provider registration scheme, and making industry codes directly enforceable. Government members argued the bill addressed regulatory gaps, while opposition members supported the legislation but criticized the government's management of the 3G shutdown and regional telecommunications issues. The Coalition moved a second reading amendment to highlight these failures, but the session was interrupted before a final vote could be recorded.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before completion.

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7. Monday 9 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on strengthening consumer protections in the telecommunications sector by increasing penalties for breaches and enhancing the regulatory powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The government supported the bill as a necessary step to ensure accountability and safety, particularly regarding emergency services and scam prevention. Opposition members supported the legislative reforms but criticised the government's record on regional connectivity, citing persistent mobile black spots and the impact of the 3G shutdown. The debate highlighted a consensus on the need for stricter regulation, contrasted with significant disagreement over the adequacy of infrastructure investment in rural and remote areas.

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8. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on strengthening consumer protections in the telecommunications sector by increasing penalties for breaches, making industry codes directly enforceable, and establishing a registration scheme for providers. The government argued that current penalties were insufficient deterrents and that the two-step enforcement process left consumers vulnerable. Opposition members supported the bill's consumer safeguards but criticised the government's record on rural connectivity and mobile black spots. All speakers agreed on the necessity of the reforms, with the coalition endorsing the bill despite broader criticisms of government performance.

   Outcome: The bill was supported by both the government and the opposition.

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9. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the need for stronger consumer protections in the telecommunications sector, citing recent service failures and regulatory penalties. The sole speaker supported the bill, arguing it addressed systemic issues in an industry that had neglected its obligations to the public. The member highlighted specific instances of corporate misconduct and the importance of reliable communications for both economic activity and personal safety. The speech concluded before the debate was interrupted.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a vote or conclusion was reached.

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10. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    The House of Representatives debated the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, which aims to strengthen consumer protections in the telecommunications sector. Government members argued that the bill empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority with stronger enforcement tools, including significantly increased civil penalties and a new registration scheme for carriage service providers. Speakers highlighted systemic issues such as unreliable service, poor customer support, and the critical nature of telecommunications as essential infrastructure. The bill was not passed, with a division result of 42 votes in favour and 96 against.

    Outcome: The bill was not passed, with a division result of 42 votes in favour and 96 against.

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11. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

    Third Reading
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12. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    Minister Tim Ayres introduced five bills to the Senate, seeking leave to incorporate his second reading speeches into the official record. The legislation addressed long service leave disputes in the coal mining sector, reforms to secrecy laws, consumer protections in telecommunications, and various tax administration updates. The Minister outlined the principles behind each bill, including debt resolution pathways for employers, the repeal of unnecessary secrecy offences, increased penalties for telecom misconduct, and adjustments to tax deductions and pension supplements. The debate was adjourned without a vote, and the bills were listed as separate orders of the day.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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13. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

    First Reading
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