Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026

Continued from Thursday 4 September 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Mary Aldred (Monash) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Aldred supported the bill, describing it as long overdue and necessary for consumer protection. Aldred argued that the reforms would improve visibility of service providers and make compliance with industry codes mandatory, removing delays in enforcement. Aldred highlighted the importance of increased penalties for breaches, noting that current fines were insufficient to deter misconduct. Aldred emphasised that reliable connectivity is critical for regional communities, emergency services, and local businesses, and welcomed measures to address cybersecurity incidents and emergency call database accuracy.

Government response

Julie-Ann Campbell (Minister for Communications) ALP Moreton

Campbell argued that the bill was essential for protecting vulnerable consumers and ensuring accountability in the telecommunications sector. Campbell stated that the reforms would increase civil penalties significantly and allow the regulator to directly enforce industry codes, removing previous loopholes. Campbell highlighted the establishment of a registration scheme for carriage service providers to improve transparency and enable the exclusion of risky operators. Campbell connected these measures to broader government efforts to improve emergency calling reliability and support regional connectivity through targeted funding programs.