What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill gives the telecommunications regulator, ACMA, stronger powers over phone and internet companies. It raises the maximum fine for breaking industry rules from $250,000 to about $10 million or more, makes industry codes directly enforceable, and creates a register of all service providers. The Coalition supported the bill, and much of the debate turned to poor mobile coverage in regional areas.
Arguments made in support
The Government said current fines are so small that big telcos treat them as a cost of doing business.
Supporters said removing the warning-first step lets ACMA act straight away on breaches, such as scam call and emergency database rules.
Members said a provider register would show who is operating and let ACMA remove providers that seriously harm customers, as happens in energy.
Coalition speakers supported the bill, noting industry and consumer groups had asked for these changes.
Labor members cited cases of telcos selling unsuitable plans to vulnerable people as reasons for tougher rules.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Nobody opposed the bill. The Coalition moved an amendment criticising the 3G network shutdown and the Government's late response to a regional telecommunications review. The Government opposed it.
Coalition and independent members said the bill does nothing to fix poor mobile and internet coverage in regional areas, and called for an updated universal service obligation.
Coalition member Tim Wilson said he supported the bill but urged caution that telecommunications powers should not be used to limit free speech.
44 speeches by 31 members in the House and Senate over 7 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 9 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 13 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 22 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.