Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026

Continued from Monday 9 February 2026.

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

At a glance

The debate centred on strengthening consumer protections in the telecommunications sector by increasing penalties for breaches, making industry codes directly enforceable, and establishing a registration scheme for providers. The government argued that current penalties were insufficient deterrents and that the two-step enforcement process left consumers vulnerable. Opposition members supported the bill's consumer safeguards but criticised the government's record on rural connectivity and mobile black spots. All speakers agreed on the necessity of the reforms, with the coalition endorsing the bill despite broader criticisms of government performance.

Outcome

The bill was supported by both the government and the opposition.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Tom Venning (Grey) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Venning supported the bill as a tool to penalise poor service providers but condemned the government's neglect of regional connectivity. Venning highlighted that his electorate received only one new tower under the current Mobile Black Spot Program compared to 56 under the previous coalition government. Venning argued that fines do not assist farmers or elderly residents who lack signal coverage entirely. Venning called for urgent action to address mobile black spots and improve the accuracy of emergency call databases.

Opposition response

Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) (Liberal Party) Liberal

O'Brien confirmed the coalition's support for the bill, noting it strengthens consumer protections and streamlines enforcement. O'Brien explained that the new registration scheme would give the Australian Communications and Media Authority visibility over approximately 1,500 operators. O'Brien detailed how the bill removes the two-step enforcement process, allowing immediate action for code breaches. O'Brien also noted that the penalty increase aligns the telecommunications sector with energy and banking regulations.