Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

When natural disasters strike Australia, communication networks often fail just when people need them most to contact loved ones, emergency services, and get critical information. This amendment strengthens the rules that telecommunications companies must follow during emergencies by requiring them to prioritise keeping phone networks and internet services running, and to work more closely with emergency management agencies before and during disasters. It modifies the Telecommunications Act 1997 and related legislation to give regulators (the Australian Communications and Media Authority) clearer powers to enforce these requirements and ensure telcos have proper backup systems in place. The changes mean Australians caught in bushfires, floods, cyclones and other emergencies will have better access to phone and internet services when they need them to stay safe and informed.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause