This bill became law on Mar 27th, 2025.
Culture, sport & community
Australia now locks in public ownership of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands., so the national broadband networkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. operator must stay owned by the Commonwealth instead of being sold off.
Existing NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. law still left a pathway for NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. to be privatised, even though the government’s 2022 policy was to keep it in public hands. This bill removes those sale-enabling provisions and writes into law that NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. should remain wholly owned by the Commonwealth.
The National Broadband NetworkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. was already being run by government-owned NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands., but the National Broadband NetworkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. Companies Act still contained a legal path that could let the company move into private ownership even after the Albanese government said in December 2022 that it should stay public. This bill responded by removing those sale-enabling provisions and writing public ownership into law, and after Parliament passed it in March 2025 the Act locked in Commonwealth ownershipThis means the Australian Government keeps owning NBN Co rather than selling it to private owners. of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. and tidied related telecommunications references.
The main criticism was that this bill was largely symbolic: it targeted a privatisation threat critics said was not actually on the table and did nothing to fix current NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. problems like reliability, access and household pressure from rising costs. That case was raised mainly by Coalition speakers, while the Greens' reservations were narrower and focused on wanting Senate scrutiny and stronger public-interest safeguards before backing it fully.
Michelle Rowland MP introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, Gerard Rennick People First, Australia's Voice, some crossbench members; opposed by Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 27 Mar 2025
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
169 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia now locks in public ownership of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands., so the national broadband networkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. operator must stay owned by the Commonwealth instead of being sold off.
The law removes the old legal pathway that could have allowed NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. to move into private ownership or control in the future.
The law states Parliament's view that the national broadband networkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. is major nation-wide infrastructure and should keep being run by NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. as a fully government-owned company.
Telecommunications law is also updated so references still work properly after the repeal of an old NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. sale-related provision and its 11 December 2020 declaration.
Under provisions called the Commonwealth ownership provisions, the Commonwealth must retain ownership of NBN Co.National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) as-passed bill text
removal of the legislative conditions necessary to enable the private ownership and control of NBN Co from sections 47 to 75, and sections 77 to 85 of the NBN Act, and other related amendmentsNational Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) explanatory memorandum
inserting a new section 43A. This new section is a statement of Parliamentary intent, and will confirm the Parliament’s recognition of the importance of the NBN as nation-wide infrastructure and the Parliament’s intention that the NBN continues to be operated by NBN Co, with NBN Co to be wholly owned by the Commonwealth.National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) explanatory memorandum
In relation to the Telecommunications Act, the Bill makes two consequential amendments to reflect the intended repeal of section 48 of the Act and confirm the date of the declaration made under the repealed section 48.National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) explanatory memorandum
Context
The National Broadband NetworkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. was already being run by government-owned NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands., but the National Broadband NetworkThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. Companies Act still contained a legal path that could let the company move into private ownership even after the Albanese government said in December 2022 that it should stay public. This bill responded by removing those sale-enabling provisions and writing public ownership into law, and after Parliament passed it in March 2025 the Act locked in Commonwealth ownershipThis means the Australian Government keeps owning NBN Co rather than selling it to private owners. of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. and tidied related telecommunications references.
Government states NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. should stay in public hands
Joint shareholder ministers issued an updated statement of expectationsA formal government direction that sets out what ministers expect NBN Co to do, including keeping it publicly owned. confirming government policy that NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. would remain publicly owned for the foreseeable future.
Hansard ↗Bill introduced to remove the privatisation pathway
The government introduced legislation to repeal provisions that could have allowed NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. to move into private ownership or control and to state in law that it should remain wholly Commonwealth-owned.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing the parliamentary step needed to turn the government's ownership policy into binding law.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of law. locks in public ownership of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands.
Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of law. made the measure law, removing the old sale-related pathway and making consequential updates to telecommunications legislation.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 85 to 55.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Referred to Committee (21/11/2024): Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (06/02/2025)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Recorded vote: 36 to 28.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 36 to 28.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of law., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that this bill was largely symbolic: it targeted a privatisation threat critics said was not actually on the table and did nothing to fix current NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. problems like reliability, access and household pressure from rising costs. That case was raised mainly by Coalition speakers, while the Greens' reservations were narrower and focused on wanting Senate scrutiny and stronger public-interest safeguards before backing it fully.
Most criticism went to the bill's necessity and priorities, not to public ownership itself.
Symbolic bill that does not solve current problems
Coalition critics argued the bill was a political stunt built around a privatisation scare rather than a practical reform. They said it would not improve NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. performance, reliability, prices or access, and that Parliament should instead focus on real communications and cost-of-living problems.
Wanted stronger scrutiny and public-interest conditions
The Greens did not reject public ownership, but argued the bill should face Senate inquiry and sought stronger obligations around nationwide NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. access plus limits and reporting on senior executive pay. Those concerns suggested the bill could do more to lock in public benefit, not just public ownership.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 36 to 28. Support came from Labor, Greens, Gerard Rennick People First, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 85 to 55. Support came from Labor, Greens, Centre Alliance, and Katter's Australian Party. Opposition came from Liberal Party, LNP, and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 36 to 28. Support came from Labor, Greens, Gerard Rennick People First, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House
Defeated 16 to 48. Support came from Greens, Centre Alliance, Katter's Australian Party, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party.
The amendment would have changed the bill text to impose a broader universal service obligationA proposed duty to make NBN access broadly available so people can get service wherever they live or work. on NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands., but it was defeated 48-16.
Senate
Defeated 13 to 30. Support came from Greens and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. One Nation had split recorded votes.
The package was defeated 30-13, so the bill did not pick up the proposed pay cap or extra pay disclosures.
Defeated 13 to 30. Support came from Greens and Australia's Voice. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. One Nation had split recorded votes.
The package was defeated 13-30, so neither the wider access duty nor the pay-cap and reporting changes were added to the bill.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Michelle Rowland supports the bill because it locks in public ownership of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. and removes any pathway to privatisation.
Read in Hansard ↗Leeser opposes the bill, calling it a political stunt that does nothing to fix the real NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. service problems affecting his constituents.
Read in Hansard ↗Rob Mitchell supports the bill and says it should pass to keep the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. in public hands.
Read in Hansard ↗Shayne Neumann strongly supports the bill, saying it will keep the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. in public hands and protect it from privatisation while helping deliver cheaper, faster and more reliable broadband.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
20 speakers · 24 contributions · 20 support
“This bill should go through. It's important that it gets passed. It's important because we need to know that critical infrastructure, like the NBN, remains in public hands, to make sure we don't go through all the problems we've had in the past where we've seen privatisation of the likes of Telstra and, of course, our power companies in Victoria, which made prices more and more expensive.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill will amend the National Broadband Network Companies Act to ensure that ongoing public ownership is required. The bill incorporates that because we're wanting to make it clear that the NBN preserved in public ownership is an explicit requirement, and it will remove the current conditions for terminating government ownership by repealing part 3 of the act.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is an important bill that makes clear that keeping the NBN preserved in public ownership is an explicit requirement. It removes the current conditions for terminating government ownership by repealing most of part 3 of the NBN act, because Labor is the party of the NBN.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why I support this Albanese government's position to keep NBN Co, the company that operates our National Broadband Network, in public ownership. By keeping the NBN in full government ownership, we can continue to support the upgrade of the network and ensure ongoing regulatory oversight of NBN wholesale pricing, keeping broadband affordable for all Australians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill removes that pathway to privatisation and commits to keeping the NBN wholly owned by the Australian people. A new section 43A will be introduced in the NBN Act to make clear Parliament's intention that NBN Co would remain wholly-owned by the Commonwealth.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We know there is more to do to get the NBN to the world-leading stage that the Albanese Labor government envisages. That is our ambition for the Australian people, and that is why this bill is so important. This bill is not just about maintaining ownership of the NBN, as important as that is; it is about protecting a vital public asset that serves the interests of all Australians. It's about equity, accountability and ensuring that every Australian can access the opportunities that a reliable broadband network provides. It's a testament to the Albanese Labor government's values and our vision for an inclusive and equitable society. The NBN is a lifeline to the future of our nation, and keeping it in public ownership is essential to continuing to provide modern, accessible, affordable communication services for all Australians. Let us continue to invest in it, protect it and improve it. That's why I am supporting this bill today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Patrick Gorman on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Gorman supports the bill and says Labor wants the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. kept in public hands because it is critical infrastructure that Australians rely on for work, learning, safety and connection. He argues privatisation would put profits ahead of service and repeat the mistakes of the coalition's copper-era broadband policy.
“Again, I think there are real benefits in keeping the National Broadband Network in public hands where it belongs. It is absolutely essential infrastructure. I don't want to see it sold off to some overseas conglomerate. I don't want to see it sold off into the private market where they care more about profit than making sure that every Australian gets the quality service of broadband, which is now essential for people's learning, essential for their work, essential for their social connection and, more and more often now, essential for their safety as well. We know that many medical devices can now be very effectively enhanced by access to fast broadband, giving people more insights into their health and their health needs.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Gorman supports the bill and argues that keeping the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. in public hands will help deliver more fibre broadband to his electorate and beyond. He contrasts that with what he describes as years of failure under the opposition.
“Deputy Speaker Goodenough, I take the opportunity to thank you for my 2025 calendar, which arrived today. And in that 2025 calendar I'm going to mark 2025 as the year that we roll out more fibre broadband to Ashfield—I'll mark that in the calendar—and more fibre broadband to Bassendean in my electorate. I'll mark in the calendar that we put more fibre out in Bayswater, after years and years and calendars and calendars of failure when it comes to the National Broadband Network under those opposite.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“Only by keeping the NBN in government ownership can we continue to deliver on that vision. That's why this legislation is here. That's why we're here, on our side, arguing that we need to secure, in legislation, the future of the NBN and make sure it remains in public ownership.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So it is important that the House pass this bill, because Australia for decades has seen too many examples in which Liberal governments have failed to apply sound economic analysis to privatisation decisions.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Deputy Speaker, I'll leave it there. The NBN is vital to the national interest, and it must stay in public hands. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“By keeping the NBN in public ownership, we ensure these vital benefits continue to flow not just for today but for the generations to come. Labor's vision for the NBN is a vision for a stronger, more connected nation where all Australians, no matter where they live, can access the opportunities that they deserve.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I wholeheartedly support this bill and the goal of providing a solid foundation for communication policy in this nation long into the future.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Graham Perrett on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Graham Perrett supports the bill and argues the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. should remain a national, publicly owned fibre network because the market could not deliver it properly. He says it benefits farmers, students and regional Australians, and that the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. needed to be of this century rather than copper from the last one.
“Why is it national? That's because we saw that we couldn't let the market do it.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Perrett supports the bill and says it is needed to keep the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. in public hands, protect it from privatisation, and lock in affordable, reliable broadband for all Australians. He argues public ownership is also important for future upgrades, regional access and national security.
“We don't believe in that on this side of the House. We believe that public assets like the NBN should benefit all Australians. That's why we've introduced this bill today. This bill amends the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011. We've committed to keeping the NBN publicly owned, and this bill incorporates changes to part 3.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“Our government is committed to an NBN that provides fast broadband that every Australian can afford. That means an NBN that every Australian owns. This legislation is our promise and our guarantee to all Australians. Under Labor, the NBN will be affordable, reliable, fast and safe in public hands. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill will give all Australians even more peace of mind, by enshrining this commitment in law. This bill makes it clear that keeping the NBN in public hands is non-negotiable. It also removes all provisions in the NBN companies act relating to a sale of NBN Co. This will support ongoing upgrades to the network and keep up with rapid technological change. It will ensure strong regulation of NBN wholesale pricing to keep broadband affordable for all Australians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I speak in support of this bill, the National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024. I'll keep my remarks relatively brief because I appreciate the lateness of the hour and because all of my colleagues have effectively made the points that I would otherwise have made.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are absolutely committed to keeping the NBN in public hands. We are incorporating new wording into the existing act to make clear that the preservation of the NBN in public ownership is an explicit requirement, removing provisions in the act relating to the NBN Co sale scheme.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michelle Rowland on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Minister's second reading speech
Michelle Rowland supports the bill because it locks in public ownership of NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. and removes any pathway to privatisation. She argues that keeping the company in public hands is necessary to protect affordable access, regional service quality, and the national interest.
“This bill removes that pathway to privatisation and commits to keeping the NBN wholly owned by the Australian people. A new section 43A will be introduced in the NBN act to make clear parliament's intention that NBN Co would remain wholly owned by the Commonwealth.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Rowland supports the bill because it locks in ongoing public ownership of the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. and removes the pathway to privatisation. She says this simply turns Labor's long-standing election commitment into law so broadband stays affordable and in public hands.
“The Albanese government's position on the NBN has been clear for more than three years. We took to the last election a commitment to keep the NBN in public ownership, to keep broadband affordable in Australia and to complete building a world-class fibre network. In 2022 we formalised this commitment in a statement of expectations for the NBN, and through this bill we are enshrining this commitment in law.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Justine Elliot on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Justine Elliot supports the bill and says it is vital that the NBNThe national internet network that carries broadband services across Australia and is operated by NBN Co on this page. stays in public hands. She argues public ownership is needed to keep the network upgrading, maintain affordable wholesale pricing, and protect national security and service reliability.
“We have said many times that we strongly believe the NBN needs to stay in full government ownership, to support that ongoing upgrade to the network and also—very importantly—to ensure the ongoing regulatory oversight of NBN wholesale pricing to keep broadband affordable for Australians. That will only happen if we ensure that it remains within public ownership.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Justine Elliot supports the bill and says it should lock NBN CoThe government-owned company that runs the National Broadband Network and is the business this bill keeps in public hands. into public ownership so the network can keep being upgraded, stay affordable, and remain accountable to the government. She argues the change gives certainty to consumers and the telecommunications industry, especially in regional and rural areas.
“Through this bill the National Broadband Network Companies Act will be amended to remove conditions enabling a future government to privatise NBN Co. These changes reinforce in legislation our government's commitment. It is absolutely resolute. The bill provides certainty to everyone—to stakeholders—including so many broadband consumers, the wider telecommunications industry, broadband retailers and NBN Co, that the Commonwealth will continue to retain ownership of NBN Co.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation to come before the House in recent times. It is important for all the right reasons. It is important because it demonstrates this government's commitment to the public ownership of one of our nation's most important pieces of infrastructure. It is important because it will ensure all Australians, especially those in regional Australia, will have first-class connectivity at an affordable price. It is important as it will protect Australia's national interest from foreign ownership and monopolies. It is important because it puts the interest of Australians unashamedly first. I commend the bill to the House and thank the minister for bringing the matter forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
9 speakers · 9 oppose
“This bill is a political scare from the Labor Party, who has run out of ideas and sought to play politics. We've seen them run these sorts of scares before. We saw it in the 2016 election with 'Mediscare'. This bill is 'telescare'. It's an idea that somehow there are people who want to privatise the NBN and it must be stopped. But it's rubbish. This bill is a complete scare and a complete scam. It's like the scams you get when you're texted or called by people from around the world, except what makes this so tragic is that this is legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I would ask the government to return to issues, even bipartisan issues, whether on gambling or on making this place more efficient—which I, personally, would like to work on—rather than discussing farcical bills.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But, as I said, instead we're debating an unnecessary amendment to Labor's own legislation that they now seem to urgently need to move through this House, for reasons that have not even been articulated in the opportunities they've had when making their contributions on the second reading of this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In the time available to me I'd like to make three points: (1) Labor's record on the NBN is hopeless, (2) the policy framework on future ownership of the NBN was established by the Rudd government under Stephen Conroy as minister—and, indeed, it was his then representative in the House, the now Prime Minister, who explained what that policy framework would be, and (3) the bill before the House today which proposes to change that policy framework—which, for some 15 years, Labor has thought was absolutely fine—is a naked, meaningless, cynical and empty political stunt, and the coalition will be voting against it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“She brings forward a piece of legislation that is not urgent in order to simply have a confected political debate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So it's this juxtaposition that we have, of a minister and a government that are suddenly prepared to rush through legislation that is symbolic—legislation that makes no changes at all, doesn't improve the operations of the NBN, doesn't bring prices down for the community and doesn't improve reliability for my community and for regional communities. It does none of that. But we've got to rush it through because it's symbolic.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Were this a serious proposal, it wouldn't have been laughed off by the fourth estate, as it has been.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We now come to 2022. As I've said before, this bill is nothing but a sad stunt. This is designed to create confected debate that somehow those on our side or perhaps their friends in the Greens—somewhere, somebody—has some intention to sell off the NBN. There is no intention on our side. Nobody's talking about changing the ownership of the NBN—not the coalition and not anyone else I've heard in this place. This is just a shambolic attempt by a government that is really frightened to address the real issue affecting Australians, which is cost of living.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So there it is: Labor set up the NBN for privatisation, not the coalition, as is now being asserted in this debate. This is an attempt at wedge politics, but Labor have ended up wedging themselves.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 mixed
“Internet access is essential infrastructure, just like roads or public transport. It should be affordable and accessible for everyone. That's why we fought to keep the NBN in public hands. It was the Greens who protected the NBN from being sold off. We secured the amendments to keep it public because we know that internet access is far too important to leave in the hands of for-profit corporate giants. The NBN should serve all Australians and not become a cash cow for a select few. The Greens will consider this bill and move for a Senate inquiry to make sure all Australians have access to an affordable and functioning NBN.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 85 to 55.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 36 to 28.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 36 to 28.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of law., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (06/02/2025)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (21 Nov 2024): Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Committee report (6 Feb 2025)
APH bill page notes
