Without Notice

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 15 October 2026

Continued from Monday 14 September 2026.

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2026, which aims to mandate universal outdoor mobile coverage. The Liberal Party opposed the bill, arguing it lacked substance, relied on unproven satellite technology, and ignored funding cuts to regional connectivity programs. The Australian Greens criticised the legislation for failing to establish reliability standards or compensation mechanisms for network outages. The Labor Party supported the bill, highlighting its potential to improve emergency communications during disasters, citing recent bushfires in Victoria as evidence of the need for robust connectivity.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Sarah Henderson (Victoria) (Liberal Party) Liberal VIC

Henderson moved an amendment affirming that reliable mobile coverage is essential but arguing the bill fails to guarantee delivery by the 1 December 2027 commencement date. Henderson contended that the technology required for universal satellite connectivity does not yet exist at scale and that spectrum allocation remains unresolved. Henderson criticised the government for cutting funding to the Mobile Black Spot Program and Regional Tech Hub while promoting unproven solutions. Henderson proposed amendments to mandate temporary disaster roaming, establish minimum performance standards for networks, and require the minister to consider the ACCC's inquiry into regional mobile coverage.

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