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

Briskey argued the bill ensures fairness for families, small businesses, and workers by holding telecommunications providers accountable. Briskey highlighted the creation of a national register of service providers to prevent operators from hiding and the modernisation of the penalty framework to align with sectors like energy and banking. Briskey stated that penalties could now reach nearly $10 million or be based on turnover, ensuring punishments fit the severity of misconduct.

Stanley detailed how the bill strengthens compliance tools for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, including increasing civil penalties to 30,300 penalty units. Stanley explained that the carriage service provider registration scheme would increase market visibility and allow the regulator to exclude providers posing unacceptable risks. Stanley also noted the bill makes industry codes directly enforceable, removing the previous requirement for a direction to comply before enforcement action could be taken.

Wilson stated the coalition would support the legislation but expressed caution regarding the government's history of using telecommunications powers to control information. Wilson raised concerns about internet censorship and the silencing of media, arguing that the government's focus had been on control rather than empowering Australians. Wilson also highlighted local issues in his electorate, including cybercrime, online sexual violence, and disruptions to mobile services caused by new housing developments.

Templeman welcomed the bill as a way to plug gaps that left consumers vulnerable, noting support from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network. Templeman emphasised the 40-fold increase in civil penalties and the new powers for the regulator to act swiftly against harmful practices. Templeman also highlighted complementary measures, including new industry standards for supporting victims of domestic violence and obligations to prevent scams across telecommunications, banking, and digital platforms.

McCormack supported the bill and commended the amendment moved by the shadow minister for communications. McCormack discussed the importance of reliable telecommunications for agriculture, citing young rice growers who rely on technology for sustainability and productivity. McCormack highlighted ongoing connectivity issues in his electorate, where some residents must climb silos to get a signal, and praised the bill's provisions for registering providers and increasing penalties to deter poor practices.

Cook argued the bill equips the regulator with modern tools to protect consumers from harmful industry practices. Cook detailed the three key reforms: increasing maximum civil penalties to nearly $10 million, establishing a carriage service provider registration scheme, and making industry codes directly enforceable. Cook linked these changes to broader government efforts, including investments in regional connectivity and new standards for supporting consumers in financial hardship or experiencing family violence.

Penfold acknowledged the bill's intent to strengthen consumer safeguards but argued it failed to address deteriorating service quality in rural areas. Penfold cited specific examples of poor mobile and internet connectivity in her electorate, including prolonged outages affecting businesses and emergency access. Penfold called for a reassessment of the universal service obligation and criticised the lack of funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program beyond 2026-27.

Clutterham argued that the bill equips the regulator with necessary tools to protect consumers from harmful practices. Clutterham detailed how the legislation increases civil penalties significantly and makes compliance with industry codes mandatory rather than voluntary. Clutterham emphasised that these changes align with other sectors and build on previous government initiatives to support vulnerable consumers.

Gee supported the bill's accountability measures but raised serious concerns about persistent mobile black spots in regional New South Wales. Gee provided numerous constituent examples of poor coverage and criticised telecommunications companies for delaying infrastructure projects. Gee urged the government to overhaul the Mobile Black Spot Program to better serve country communities.

Burnell highlighted the critical reliance of Australians on telecommunications services and the need for strict accountability. Burnell explained how the bill strengthens penalty frameworks and empowers the regulator to take swift action against breaches. Burnell also referenced recent industry standards introduced to support consumers facing financial hardship or domestic violence.