✦ Plain-English Summary

Telecommunications Amendment (Infrastructure in New Developments) 2020

What it does

This law updates rules about internet infrastructure in new housing developments. Instead of just requiring developers to install "fibre-ready facilities" (empty pipes where internet cables can go), they now must install "functional fibre-ready facilities" (pipes that actually work and are ready to connect). The change applies to large property developers across Australia, including those building in territories and states.

Why it matters

New home buyers won't get stuck with useless empty conduits—developers have to install infrastructure that telecommunications companies can actually use to deliver internet. This removes a gap where new estates could technically meet the old rules but still lack usable internet access.

Key details

• Who it affects: Large developers (constitutional corporations) and all developers in territories; applies when they sell or lease new building lots or units
• The main change: The word "functional" is added—meaning the fibre infrastructure must be genuinely usable, not just present
• When it started: The day after the bill received Royal Assent (so it's already in effect)

Official Description

Amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 to: extend the existing prohibition on developers who are constitutional corporations from selling or leasing a building lot or building unit in a new development unless fibre-ready facilities are installed in proximity to the lot or unit to all types of developers, whether incorporated or unincorporated; clarify that a fibre-ready facility must be technically capable of being used in connection with an optical fibre line; and make a technical correction.

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.