Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026

Continued from Wednesday 13 May 2026.

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

At a glance

The House of Representatives debated the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, which aims to strengthen consumer protections in the telecommunications sector. Government members argued that the bill empowers the Australian Communications and Media Authority with stronger enforcement tools, including significantly increased civil penalties and a new registration scheme for carriage service providers. Speakers highlighted systemic issues such as unreliable service, poor customer support, and the critical nature of telecommunications as essential infrastructure. The bill was not passed, with a division result of 42 votes in favour and 96 against.

Outcome

The bill was not passed, with a division result of 42 votes in favour and 96 against.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Carol Berry (Whitlam) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Berry argued that telecommunications is an essential service requiring a fair and accountable system. Berry stated the bill equips the Australian Communications and Media Authority with necessary tools to protect consumers from harmful practices. Key reforms include increasing civil penalties for breaches of industry codes from $250,000 to nearly $10 million or based on turnover. Berry also highlighted the establishment of a carriage service provider registration scheme to improve market visibility and stop operators posing unacceptable risks. Berry noted that industry codes will become directly enforceable, removing the need for prior compliance directions.

Government response

Anika Wells (Lilley) (Minister for Communications) ALP

Wells stated the bill focuses on keeping Australians connected and protected through stronger safeguards and tougher penalties. Wells confirmed the reforms increase civil penalties and make industry codes directly enforceable by the regulator. Wells noted the establishment of a registration scheme to identify and stop providers posing risks to consumers. Wells mentioned that the government had listened to feedback from industry, regulators, and consumer advocates. Wells called on members to support the bill to ensure fairness and trust in the telecommunications industry.

Rob Mitchell (McEwen) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Mitchell argued that regional communities had been neglected for years and that the bill provides necessary tools for the regulator to act effectively. Mitchell cited constituent experiences with poor service and billing issues from providers like Opticomm to illustrate the need for reform. Mitchell supported the carriage service provider registration scheme to prevent operators from disappearing after payment. Mitchell also welcomed the increase in civil penalties to deter noncompliance and align with other sectors.
Gabriel Ng (Menzies) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ng emphasised that telecommunications are critical infrastructure and that the bill places consumer rights at the centre of the framework. Ng highlighted the urgency of reform following the Optus triple zero outage and the need for stronger oversight. Ng supported the registration scheme to improve visibility and accountability in the market. Ng also noted that the updated penalty framework allows fines to reflect the scale of harm and provider turnover.
Ed Husic (Chifley) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Husic described telecommunications as essential infrastructure comparable to electricity and water, citing frequent outages in his electorate. Husic shared constituent stories of poor service, billing disputes, and lack of transparency from providers. Husic argued that current penalties are insufficient to drive behavioural change in large corporations. Husic supported the bill's measures to increase penalties and make industry codes directly enforceable to ensure accountability.
Jodie Belyea (Dunkley) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Belyea argued that strong safeguards are necessary to address systemic issues such as misleading sales practices and poor complaints handling. Belyea highlighted the power imbalance between consumers and providers and the real consequences of service failures. Belyea supported the increase in civil penalties to nearly $10 million to ensure meaningful deterrence. Belyea also endorsed the carriage service provider registration scheme to improve market monitoring and consumer protection.
Steve Georganas (Adelaide) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Georganas stated that the bill empowers the regulator to act decisively against providers who fail to meet obligations. Georganas cited examples of unethical sales practices and unreliable services in aged care facilities to illustrate the need for reform. Georganas supported the significant increase in penalties and the direct enforceability of industry codes. Georganas argued that these measures would protect consumers and ensure providers deliver the services they are paid for.

Votes during this debate

Division 5: Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading Not passed 42–96