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

Mascarenhas argued that the bill represented real action to protect consumers, contrasting it with previous government inaction. Mascarenhas highlighted reforms to strengthen ACMA's enforcement powers, including removing the two-step compliance process and increasing maximum penalties from $250,000 to $10 million. Mascarenhas also noted the introduction of a carrier service provider registration scheme to improve market transparency and hold telcos accountable for breaches.

Payne emphasised the government's commitment to placing consumers at the heart of the telecommunications industry. Payne noted that the bill improved the compliance and enforcement regime, ensuring ACMA could act decisively against telcos that breached obligations. Payne highlighted the importance of these safeguards for vulnerable groups, including those in financial hardship or experiencing domestic violence.

Templeman discussed the high volume of telecommunications complaints in her electorate, particularly regarding service reliability and black spots. Templeman argued that the current two-step enforcement process allowed telcos to treat penalties as a cost of doing business. Templeman supported the bill's provisions to increase penalties, allow immediate enforcement action, and establish a registration scheme to identify risky providers.

Laxale framed the bill as part of a broader government effort to protect consumers across various sectors. Laxale criticised the previous enforcement regime as delayed justice and supported the new powers allowing ACMA to act immediately on breaches. Laxale highlighted the significant increase in penalties, which could reach triple the advantage obtained or 30 per cent of turnover, to deter poor behaviour.

Lawrence argued that telecommunications are essential services requiring strong safeguards, similar to other critical infrastructure. Lawrence supported the removal of the two-step enforcement process and the increase in penalties to ensure telcos could not shrug off breaches. Lawrence also highlighted the government's work on NBN upgrades and the universal outdoor mobile obligation.

Stanley noted the rapid evolution of telecommunications technology and the need for updated legislative protections. Stanley supported the bill's reforms to boost ACMA's enforcement powers, increase penalties, and establish a carrier service provider registration scheme. Stanley argued these measures would incentivise compliance and align the telecommunications sector with other regulated industries.

Neumann highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity for regional and rural communities, citing recent infrastructure investments in his electorate. Neumann supported the bill's provisions to empower ACMA with stronger enforcement tools and higher penalties to rebalance the power dynamic between telcos and consumers. Neumann also noted the rise in complaints following the 3G shutdown and the need for better communication from providers.

Georganas argued that telecommunications laws must evolve to protect consumers in an increasingly connected society. Georganas cited a 13 per cent rise in complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman in late 2024 and highlighted issues with irresponsible selling practices targeting vulnerable groups. Georganas referenced a Telstra penalty for emergency call failures to illustrate the importance of strong regulation. Georganas supported giving the Australian Communications and Media Authority greater powers to issue penalties and resolve consumer disputes.

Leigh emphasised the critical role of telecommunications in modern life, noting high mobile phone ownership and reliance on digital services. Leigh argued that the bill addresses monopolistic tendencies by increasing penalties from $250,000 to approximately $10 million, aligning with reforms in other sectors. Leigh explained that the legislation removes the two-step compliance process, allowing immediate action against breaches. Leigh also mentioned broader government initiatives, including NBN funding and social media age restrictions, as part of a comprehensive consumer protection strategy.

Byrnes highlighted the integration of mobile technology into daily life and the risks associated with service disruptions. Byrnes referenced the telecommunications financial hardship industry standard and measures to support victims of domestic violence. Byrnes backed creating a registration system for carrier service providers to ensure only reputable operators remain in the market. Byrnes argued that the bill enhances transparency and accountability within the telecommunications sector.

Claydon argued that the bill addresses fairness and accountability in the telecommunications industry. Claydon cited increased complaints and service outages as evidence of the need for stronger protections. Claydon outlined four key measures: a registration scheme, direct enforcement of industry codes, increased penalties up to 30 per cent of turnover, and clarified ministerial authority. Claydon noted support from consumer advocates and industry groups for the proposed reforms.