Warning that repeated communications failures in regional areas are putting lives at risk, Member for Indi, Helen Haines, on Monday introduced legislation to improve the resilience of Australia’s telecommunications networks during natural disasters.

Dr Haines said North-East Victoria has endured successive catastrophic events in recent years including the Black Summer bushfires, major flooding in 2022 and 2023 and the January 2026 bushfires that devastated parts of Indi.

“Two fires this summer – the Longwood Fire and the Upper Murray Fire – destroyed 400 homes and burnt more than 250,000 hectares,” Dr Haines said.

“Indi residents experienced repeated telecommunications outages during the bushfires, putting their safety at risk.

“Despite multiple reviews and inquiries making clear recommendations, governments have failed to act. When communications fail, lives are put at risk.”

Dr Haines said her Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters Bill would deliver three key reforms – temporary disaster roaming, mandatory power backup for mobile base stations and a stronger pathway to fund community resilience projects.

“This is a simple, life-saving measure that is already technically possible and operating in other jurisdictions,” Dr Haines said.

“It has been recommended repeatedly, including by government reviews, yet still has not been implemented. People must not lose the ability to call for help in an emergency.”

The legislation would also require the communications regulator to identify high-risk mobile tower sites and enforce minimum backup power standards.

“When towers have adequate battery or generator backup, they stay online longer – ensuring people can receive emergency warnings and stay connected when it matters most,” Dr Haines said.

“I have long advocated for at least 24 hours of backup power for critical sites, a recommendation supported by multiple inquiries and the Victorian government.

“My Bill would also formally recognise disaster-resilient communications as eligible for public interest telecommunications funding, enabling greater Commonwealth support for mobile backup systems, satellite connectivity and rapidly deployable infrastructure such as Cells on Wheels and community Wi-Fi hubs.

“This ensures disaster resilience is treated as core infrastructure, not an afterthought,” Dr Haines said.

The legislation was seconded by Independent Member for Mayo in South Australia, Rebekha Sharkie.

“My community understands the very real threat of bushfires,” she said.

“We have lived through the fear, uncertainty and heartbreak that comes when fires threaten lives, homes and entire towns.

“Earlier this year, a fire at Deep Creek reminded us how quickly conditions can change, while the devastating Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek fires in 2019 remain etched in the memories of many Mayo residents.”

“In the face of emergency, people need certainty that they can call for help, contact loved ones and receive critical updates.

Dr Haines said the reforms were urgently needed as regional Australia faces a future of escalating climate-driven disasters.

“This Bill is about ensuring that when the next fire, flood or storm hits, people can still call for help, access emergency information and stay connected,” she said.

“In regional Australia, communications are not a convenience – they are a lifeline.

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 28 May 2026.