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Timeline

The Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) liberalized Australia's telecom sector, introducing carrier licensing, access regimes, and consumer protections while establishing the ACMA. Compilation No. 115 (4 Apr 2025) reflects amendments up to Act No. 100, 2024.

Key Amendments Timeline

Progressive updates for NBN, cybersecurity, consumer safeguards.

Period Major Acts/Changes
1997–2000 Core commencement (1 Jul 1997); USO, carrier licenses, competition (Parts 2–5).
2005–2011 Consumer protections (Part 6); NBN measures; fibre deployment; universal service reform (2012).​
2014–2018 Deregulation; data retention; assistance/access; submarine cables.​
2020–2023 Competition/consumer safeguards; infrastructure new developments; info disclosure.​
2024–2025 Enhancing Consumer Safeguards (36, 2024); SMS Sender ID (83, 2024); SOCI integration (100, 2024); NBN ownership (27, 2025).

Recent Reforms (2023–2026)

  • 2024: Consumer safeguards increase penalties; TSP SSR compliance; SMS ID register (Mar 2025).

  • 2025: Telecom security reforms transitioned to SOCI Act (Part 14 repealed); CSP registration, industry codes mandatory.

  • Compilation Apr 2025: Includes SOCI Amendment Act effects.​

Related Legislation

  • Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979: Surveillance/data retention.​

  • Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI): Telecom security (Part 14 transitioned).​

  • Spam Act 2003 / Do Not Call Register Act 2006: Marketing rules (Part 6).​

  • Privacy Act 1988: Telecom privacy (Part 13).​

  • Radiocommunications Act 1992: Spectrum licensing.​

The Act has expanded from competition to cybersecurity/consumer focus amid NBN rollout and threats.

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