Question Time AU

General Debate

Fuel, Telecommunications

House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026

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

At a glance

Colin Boyce addressed two key issues affecting the Flynn electorate: rising fuel costs and poor mobile connectivity. He welcomed the government's decision to halve the fuel excise but criticised the lack of detail in the national fuel security plan and warned of inflationary risks. Regarding telecommunications, Boyce argued that proposed legislation lacked clear definitions and enforceable standards for outdoor mobile access. He urged residents to submit evidence to a Senate inquiry before the deadline.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Boyce argued that the government's decision to halve the fuel excise and reduce heavy vehicle road user charges provided meaningful, albeit overdue, relief to households and businesses. Boyce warned that without proper offsets, these measures could exacerbate inflationary pressures and criticised the national fuel security plan for lacking transparent trigger points and clear management frameworks for supply disruptions. On telecommunications, Boyce contended that the proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation Bill failed to define reasonable access or establish enforceable consequences for providers. Boyce highlighted the daily struggles of constituents with black spots and unreliable service, urging them to participate in the Senate inquiry to ensure the legislation delivers tangible outcomes rather than vague promises.