ACCAN, the peak national body representing communications consumers, has welcomed the Federal Government’s Budget announcement to ease telecommunications infrastructure approvals, describing the measures as an important step towards improving outcomes for all Australians.
The Federal Budget commitment to accelerate telecommunications approvals as part of its broader productivity package, is intended to get new projects underway faster. More than $500 million will be spent to implement approval reforms that, among others, will accelerate the development of terrestrial networks, fibre routes and AI-related infrastructure.
This comes alongside a raft of other welcome communications changes that will benefit consumers including:
A $62 million investment into theConsumer Data Right, including developing new ways for customers to use their own data to save money and access better services.Investment to expand theDigital ID Systemwith the goal of supporting productivity and security by reducing data storage and improving access to government services online.A $70 millionAI Accelerator investment, which signals a serious commitment to building local AI capability rather than importing it.Commitment to cost-recover the ongoing operation of theSMS Sender ID Registerthrough ACMA, a measure ACCAN has actively engaged with through its submission to the ACMA on the Register’s implementation, calling for robust protections to prevent SMS impersonation scams.Funding to implement theNational Messaging System, the cell broadcast emergency alert technology ACCAN called for in March 2025, and $6 million to NEMA to progress a nationalhigh-speed mobile broadband emergency response capability.$15 million injection intoAuslan video relay services.
ACCAN is disappointed to see that the important Regional Tech Hub service has been cut in this Budget. The Tech Hub has supported regional Australians to access communications that support their work, health, education and safety.
The future of government investment in regional telecommunications infrastructure is also up in the air, with current projects in the pipeline funded through to 2029, but no new funds for schemes including the Mobile Black Spot and Mobile Network Hardening programs. The need to ensure that vulnerable and under-served communities remain connected is paramount.
Quotes attributable to ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said, “Australians rely on affordable and reliable connectivity to work, study, access healthcare, stay safe and participate fully in society. Getting this right is fundamental to a thriving and productive Australia.”
“We fully endorse the government’s intent to reform the Telecommunications Act and legislation which oversees NBN Co. which will streamline the rollout of vital communications infrastructure and better connect the public.”
“This means that timelines for deployments will be improved, bottlenecks will be removed and people can receive better services, sooner.”
“Only weeks after our submission to a committee looking into productivity, a significant investment in the Consumer Data Right sends a really positive message to Australian consumers who want to control their data usage and align them with needs.”
“Accessibility has also seen a much-needed boost, with a $15 million injection into Auslan video relay services.”
“Regional consumers will be bitterly disappointed that the vital Regional Tech Hub, which provides free and independent connectivity advice to tens of thousands of Australians navigating complex coverage and plan decisions, has been axed. As new technologies roll out and change the modern communications landscape, the absence of first-call organisations on the ground like this, will surely be felt many consumers who need it the most.”
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