Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Monday 25 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on improving telecommunications resilience during natural disasters in regional Australia. The member for Indi introduced the bill to mandate power backups for phone towers, enable temporary disaster roaming, and fund community connectivity. The member for Mayo seconded the motion, highlighting the life-saving potential of these measures based on recent bushfire experiences. Both speakers argued that government action was necessary to address infrastructure failures during emergencies.

   Outcome: The motion for the second reading was moved and seconded.

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