Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Rowland argued that the bill places consumers at the centre of the telecommunications industry by improving compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Rowland stated that the legislation establishes a registration scheme for carriage service providers to increase market visibility and allow regulators to stop high-risk operators. Rowland explained that the bill removes the two-step enforcement process for industry codes, enabling immediate action against breaches. Rowland noted that maximum civil penalties would rise from $250,000 to 30,300 penalty units, aligning with penalties in other sectors. Rowland emphasised that these reforms received strong support from industry, regulators, and consumer advocates.

Government response

Rowland moved the second reading of the bill, outlining the government's commitment to robust consumer safeguards. Rowland detailed how the legislation empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority to enforce industry codes directly and impose higher penalties for non-compliance. Rowland highlighted the introduction of a registration scheme to improve accountability and protect vulnerable consumers. Rowland commended the bill to the House, citing widespread stakeholder support for the proposed changes.