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 creates a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, requiring Telstra, Optus and TPG to make basic mobile voice and text coverage reasonably available outdoors across Australia, from a default date of 1 December 2027. Coverage is expected to come from existing towers plus new satellite-to-phone technology, and the minister can adjust timing, scope and exemptions. Debate focused on whether the obligation is clear and enforceable, handset compatibility, affordability and triple zero access.
Arguments made in support
Government members said towers cover where 99 per cent of people live but only a third of the land, leaving huge areas where triple zero calls are impossible.
Labor speakers said the obligation could add about five million square kilometres of outdoor coverage, helping people in disasters, on remote roads and on farms.
The government said legislating now pushes carriers to roll out satellite coverage quickly, rather than leaving it to commercial decisions alone.
Government members said the minister can set enforceable standards, including on affordability, and voice services will be covered by existing triple zero rules.
Independents and the Greens supported the bill, and the government accepted an amendment from Helen Haines requiring reasons for any exemption decisions.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said terms like 'reasonably available' and 'equitable basis' are undefined, and the start date can be delayed, making the obligation hard to enforce.
Coalition and crossbench members said satellite voice is not yet available at scale and many older or cheaper phones cannot connect, risking a repeat of 3G shutdown problems.
Coalition members called for a Senate inquiry and argued the bill should explicitly require triple zero access, including texting triple zero.
Independent Helen Haines moved amendments defining affordability and allowing disaster roaming rules; most were rejected as the government said existing powers were enough.
Nationals members said the bill should also cover maintaining existing mobile towers and introduce mandatory roaming between networks.
74 speeches by 48 members in the House over 7 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 19 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 9 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.