Dan Repacholi
Hunter · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It's practical and it's most certainly overdue I want to spend a bit more time on why this transparency matters in the real world. When people cannot see the cost up front, they're making decisions in the dark. They might pick the first specialist they referred to without knowing that there are more affordable ones right near them.”
“He said to me, 'I just want to focus on getting better and not having to worry about the bill.' This is the kind of uncertainty that is not accidental. When more of the burden is pushed onto individuals and people are expected to navigate the costs on their own, this is exactly what happens.”
“We tried that, and it simply didn't work. Out of thousands of eligible specialists, only a handful chose to share their fees. That is not transparency. That is a system that leaves patients in the dark. This bill fixes it by using data we already have—medical data, hospital billing data, insurer data.”
“If we make the system clearer, simpler and easier to understand, we remove more barriers. We make it more likely that they will actually take that next step, book the appointment, follow through with treatment and get checked early instead of late. That saves lives. And it's not just about physical health.”
“I've spoken to a family in Singleton whose teenage daughter needed a specialist consultation. They were trying to do the right thing, following the medical advice they were given, and get Olivia the care she needed, but they were given very little clarity on the cost.”
“They can see whether a doctor participates in gap-cover arrangements. They can understand what their insurer is likely to cover. This is common sense. It's something that people expect. This bill also provides transparency around hospitals and insurers. It will show which doctors operate at which facilities.”
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“We owe it to the next generation to do better than the last, we owe it to survivors to turn evidence into action, and we owe it to ourselves to be brave enough to change. I commend this report to the House. Federation Chamber adjourned at 18 : 45”
“It must reach workplaces, sporting clubs, schools, sheds, kitchens across this country—the places where men spend their time, where attitudes are shaped, where behaviour is either challenged or quietly accepted. Every coach, every employer, every mate has a role to play in calling out harmful behaviour and backing healthier ways forward. Cultural change does not happen in policy documents alone; it happens in everyday moments when respect is modelled, violence is rejected and silence is broken. I support the tabling of this report. I support its urgency and I commit to continuing this work through the lens of men's health because healthier men means safer women, safer men, safer children and stronger communities.”
“Strength is asking for help before you hurt somebody you love. Strength is breaking patterns that you inherit but refuse to pass on to others. If you are struggling, reach out. If you are angry, talk to somebody. If you are scared of what you might do, go get help now because real strength is choosing not to cause harm. As a parliament, we have a responsibility to act, to implement the commissioner's recommendations, to find what works, to hold systems accountable and to lead a cultural shift that says violence is never acceptable, never inevitable and never someone else's problem. I also want to be clear that this work cannot only sit with governments or services.”
“The report rightly calls for shared decision-making, long-term investment in community controlled organisations and listening to voices that have been ignored for far too long. From a men's health perspective, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through culturally safe and healing programs is crucial. Healing men heals families. Healing families heals communities. This report is not a comfortable read, nor should it be. It is a call to action. It tells us that instrumental change is not enough. It tells us that coordination, accountability and urgency matter. It tells us that engaging men and boys is not a side issue; it is central. I speak directly to the men watching or listening to this debate: strength is not control. Strength is accountability. Strength is knowing when to step back.”
“At the same time, we must never lose sight of the victims and the survivors. Women, men and children must always feel safe. Holding those who use violence accountable and keeping victims safe are not competing priorities; they are inseparable. The report makes clear that children are not silent witnesses; they are direct victims. Exposure to violence shapes brain development, mental health, education outcomes and future relationships. If we want to stop violence in one generation, as the national plan commits us to doing, then protecting and supporting children must be central to every decision. I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and communities who experience violence at profoundly disproportionate rates.”
“Too many men wait until they're in crisis before they reach out for help. Too many men bottle things up until the pressure turns into explosion. That pattern is dangerous not just for men themselves but for all the people around them. The report acknowledges that many men who use violence have experienced trauma themselves. That does not excuse their behaviour, but it tells us something important: if we intervene early, if we support men before harm occurs, we can stop violence before it starts. That is why programs that work with men who have used violence must be properly resourced, evidence based and held to national standards—not tick-a-box courses, not short-term fixes but real programs that challenge beliefs, build accountability and support long-term change.”
“When we invest in men's mental health, early intervention and behavioural change programs, we are not excusing violence; we are preventing it. The report also shines a harsh light on the role of technology in modern abuse. Coercive control no longer stops at the front door; it follows people through phones, apps, smart devices and other online spaces. Young men are being targeted by online misogyny and radicalisation that feeds resentment, entitlement and dominance. If we do not meet that challenge head-on, we will be dealing with the consequences of this for decades. That is why action on online harms matters. That is why restricting predatory technologies matters. That is why teaching digital respect and accountability matters. Through a men's health lens, I want to speak directly about seeking help.”
“It means helping boys understand their feelings, communicate safely and build respectful relationships from the very start. It means breaking the intergenerational cycle before it hardens into behaviours. The evidence is powerful. Men who grow up with positive father figures who show affection are almost 50 per cent less likely to use violence as adults. That is not a soft statistic; that is a road map. This is why engaging men and boys is not optional; it is essential. The report calls for a national coordinated approach to healthy masculinities, and I could not agree more. Healthy masculinity is not about taking something away from men; it is about giving men better tools—tools to manage stress, tools to regulate emotions and tools to be better partners, fathers and mates.”
“But here is the other truth: men are also capable of change. Men can be protective, respectful, caring partners and fathers. Men can model healthy relationships. Men can actually ask for help. Men can learn new ways of dealing with anger, fear, shame and stress. That is where men's health intersects directly with violence prevention. For generations we have taught boys that strength means silence, that emotions are weakness, that asking for help is a failure and that control equals masculinity. Those messages do real damage. They damage mental health, they damage relationships and, in the worst cases, they escalate into violence. The commissioner's report is clear that prevention must begin in childhood. That means teaching emotional literacy alongside literacy and numeracy.”
“Violence is not only a justice issue and a safety issue; it is a men's health issue. Because violence is learned, violence is reinforced and violence is repeated. And violence destroys lives on every side of the equation. The report tells us that nearly one in three men self-report having used some form of violence against an intimate partner in adulthood. That statistic should stop every man in this Chamber in their tracks. It stopped me when I first read it because behind that number are real people, real harm and real consequences that unfortunately last a lifetime. The truth is this: the reality is that the overwhelming majority of domestic, family and sexual violence is committed by men. Until men are willing to confront that reality honestly, we will never break this cycle.”
“Real change happens when men are willing to look honestly at themselves and say, 'The violence must stop.' As the Special Envoy for Men's Health, I've been working with the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner. It's great to have an opportunity to speak on the yearly report. I want to thank Commissioner Micaela Cronin, her team and the Lived Experience Advisory Council for their rigorous work, their honesty and the insistence that we move beyond words into action. This report makes one thing painfully clear. We do not lack evidence, recommendations or an understanding of what works. What we lack is speed, scale and the courage to change behaviours that have been normalised for way too long. From a men's health perspective, this matters deeply.”
“I rise today to speak on a matter that is confronting, urgent and unavoidable. I speak as a man, as a father, as a representative of my community in the Hunter and as Special Envoy for Men's Health. Today I acknowledge the women, the men and the children who lost their lives to domestic, family and sexual violence. I acknowledge the survivors, who live with the trauma every single day. I acknowledge the families, who carry grief that never fully leaves them. If we are serious about ending domestic, family and sexual violence, men must be part of this conversation—not on the sidelines, not defensively and not pointing fingers somewhere else. Men must stand up, take responsibility and do the work.”
“Early conversations with a GP or a health professional can make a real difference. The right advice, practical strategies and ongoing support can help people make sustainable changes that improve their health and wellbeing over time. World Obesity Day is also a reminder that improving health outcomes is a shared responsibility. Governments, health systems, communities and individuals all have a role to play in supporting healthier lifestyles and creating environments that make healthier choices easier. At the end of the day, better health outcomes can often start with something simple: a conversation with a GP or a conversation with a mate. It's okay to have a chat if you're feeling a bit down because of your weight. Make sure you get out and have a chat to someone. Cheers.”
“Today is World Obesity Day, an important day to recognise one of the biggest health challenges facing Australia. Across our country, millions of Australians are living with being overweight or with obesity. Along with that comes an increased risk of serious health conditions, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers. Obesity is not a simple matter of willpower or personal choice. It's a complex health issue influenced by many factors, including lifestyle, environment, genetics, mental health and access to the right support. Too often, people living with obesity face stigma or embarrassment. That can make it harder for people to seek help, talk to their doctor or access the support they need to improve their health. The reality is that no-one should feel ashamed about asking for help.”
“What this agreement shows is that when workers, when unions, when businesses and when the community stand together, practical solutions can be found. This was not about shouting from the sidelines; this was about standing up, backing our community and insisting on a sensible outcome. Today, 300 workers and their families can now breathe easier. Thousands more across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter can plan ahead with confidence. That matters. I will always stand up for the workers and the communities who power our nation. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for the hard work you put in. And, most of all, thank you to your families who put up with you being away and out of action and out of the town for many days on end and away for long hours as well. (Time expired)”
“You're protecting the apprentices learning a trade. You're protecting small businesses who depend on steady workflow through our region. You're protecting the economic heart belt of communities right across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter like Wangi Wangi, Morisset and Cooranbong. The Hunter has powered New South Wales for generations. Our miners, power station workers and contractors have turned up in the middle of the night, in the heat, in the rain, in tough conditions to make sure that homes, hospitals and businesses right across the state have reliable power. That contribution should never be taken for granted. We understand that change is happening in our energy system. We understand that transition is underway, but that transition must be fair, responsible and respect workers and communities who have kept the lights on for decades.”
“In particular I want to acknowledge Grahame Kelly, Jeremy McWilliams and Joey Price. Their leadership, steady approach and focus on constructive solutions made a real difference. I also want to thank the site delegates, the workers at Myuna and their families, who held firm during months of uncertainty. They conducted themselves with strength and dignity. They did not ask for special treatment. They asked for fairness. They asked for certainty while the power station they supply continued to operate, and that's exactly what this agreement delivers. It's a win for workers, it's a win for families and it's a win for the Hunter community because when you save 300 jobs at a mine you're also protecting thousands more across the supply chain. You're protecting the local engineering workshops. You're protecting the truckies.”
“It is great to see both companies come back to the table and work through the issues to secure a sensible 3-year framework. Origin Energy stepping up and securing this arrangement demonstrates what responsible corporate citizenships look like. Large energy companies operate in regions just like mine because of their hard-working locals. The least that those communities deserve is fairness, certainty and good faith negotiations when jobs are on the line. This agreement recognises that reality. This outcome did not just happen. It happened because workers stood together. It happened because families spoke out. It happened because the community make it clear that avoidable job losses were not acceptable. I want to place on the record my thanks to the Mining and Energy Union for the work they did throughout this process.”
“For months those families were living with uncertainty. Myuna was built for one purpose and for one purpose only—to supply Eraring Power Station with coal. It has no alternative market, no rail link, no export pathway. It exists just to power that power station. When questions were raised about the commercial arrangement between Centennial Coal and Origin Energy, the future of the mine and those 300 jobs were suddenly in doubt. That uncertainty rippled through the community. Let's be clear. This was not about geology. This was not about demand disappearing. Eraring is continuing to operate. This was about whether the commercial arrangement would match that reality. What we have now seen is Centennial Coal and Origin Energy move, negotiate in good faith and land on a practical outcome that delivers certainty, and that is a great thing.”
“Today I rise to speak about something that matters deeply to me and my community: job security, fairness and what can be achieved when workers, unions and communities stand together. This week an agreement was reached to continue operations at Myuna Colliery under a new 3-year framework while Eraring Power Station remains online. This agreement saves around 300 direct jobs at a mine, 300 local jobs, and it protects over a thousand more across the broader Lake Macquarie and Hunter community. Contractors, transport operators, small businesses, suppliers, apprentices, cafes, mechanics and family owned operations all rely on Myuna and Eraring continuing to operate. These are not just statistics on a page. They are mortgage payments. They are school fees. They are apprenticeships. They are kids footy registrations.”
“This outcome didn't happen by accident. This is a result of the passionate locals speaking up, farmers standing their ground and community groups like Singleton Solar Standoff making sure their voices were heard loud and clear. When it comes to major developments in our region, the people who live and work on the land deserve a real say in what happens to it. The Hunter should always have a strong voice in decisions that shape our future. I'll continue to stand up for communities to make sure that local voices are not just listened to but respected. We have many areas of mining land in our Hunter area. We need to make sure that we're putting solar farms on that. We need to reuse that land for things that we can do with. We can put many solar farms on that land now.”
“The news that Elgin has decided not to proceed with the proposed Mitchells Flat solar farm is a really welcome outcome for the local community in Singleton and right across the Hunter. Many locals I've spoken to over recent months had genuine concern about what this project would have meant for prime agricultural land, environmental impacts and the long-term future of the regional landscape. It was a great project in the wrong location. In communities like Mitchells Flat, land isn't just dirt on a map; it's family farms, it's local jobs, it's our food security and it's part of the character that makes the Hunter what it is. So I think it's fair to say that there's a real sense of relief across the community that Elgin has listened and made the decision to focus their development elsewhere. That's great.”
“We wish you and your family a very happy next chapter of your life, and I look forward to catching up for a beer soon, buddy.”
“Throughout his time, Ian has been known for his steady leadership, his deep operational knowledge and most importantly his unwavering commitment to safety, making sure workers got home safely to their families at the end of each and every shift. In places like Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and right across our mining communities that leadership really matters, because behind every mine site are local jobs, apprentices, local sporting clubs, small businesses and families who rely on the strength of this industry. Ian's contribution has left a lasting impact not only on Glencore's operations but the communities they support. Cribby, on behalf of the Hunter community thank you for all you've done, your dedication, your integrity and your leadership.”
“I want to acknowledge the retirement of a man who has made an enormous contribution to Australia's resources sector and communities right across the Hunter, Mr Ian Cribb. Last week, Ian officially hung up his hard hat after an incredible 13 years as CEO of Glencore Coal Australia and more than 30 years with Glencore operations. That's three decades of turning up each and every day to help build not just an industry but regional communities like ours across the Hunter. Ian has held senior leadership roles right across New South Wales and Queensland, before stepping into the role of CEO of Glencore Coal Assets Australia in 2013.”
“It means backing in good local roads so horses and workers can move safely; supporting training and skills so young people can build a future locally; providing planning certainty so businesses can invest; and maintaining the strong animal welfare standards that the community and the industry expect. The people in this industry do not ask for special treatment; they just ask for a fair go. The thoroughbred industry is not a sideshow. It's a major employer, a major exporter and a core part of the Hunter's identity. So to everyone working in the industry, on the studs, in the stables and behind the scenes: thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for all you do for the thoroughbred industry in the Hunter. You help power the Hunter economy, and you have my support in this parliament.”
“Hunter bred horses regularly feature among the leading vendors, showing the world the quality produced in our region. That means real money returning to the Hunter and being reinvested in farms, workers, equipment and local communities. I'm a proud supporter of the thoroughbred industry. I support it because it supports jobs, I support it because it supports regional communities, and I support it because it shows what the Hunter does best: hard work, skill and world-class results. But support means more than just turning up on race day and taking a photo with a horse worth more than my house—although I will admit that the horse probably does have much better hair than I do!”
“In the Hunter region alone, the industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs. That money flows straight through into local communities—into shops, pubs, schools, sporting clubs and small businesses. This is the kind of industry that keeps regional towns alive—not just surviving but growing. It also brings global attention to the Hunter. Buyers from across Australia and around the world travel to see horses bred in our region. They invest here, spend money locally and take the Hunter name back with them. One of the clearest examples of that is the Magic Millions sales. Each year, Magic Millions brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in sales, with the recent January sales consistently topping $200 million.”
“This is work that relies on experience passed down through generations and on new skills and technology that keep the industry competitive and world class. The Hunter Valley is the engine room of thoroughbred breeding in Australia. New South Wales is the largest breeding state in the country, and the Upper Hunter sits right at the centre of it. Horses bred in my electorate are sold and raced across Australia and around the world, carrying the Hunter name with them. We are home to the most expensive yearling ever sold in Australia. It's the filly out of champion mare Winx that sold for a massive $10 million. The economic impact is significant. The thoroughbred-breeding industry contributes well over $1 billion to the national economy each year and supports thousands of jobs, many of them in regional communities.”
“From Scone to Aberdeen and from Jerrys Plains to Denman, the thoroughbred industry is part of daily life. You see it in the paddocks, on the roads early in the morning and at the local cafes filled with people who've already done half a day's work before most of us have even had our first coffee. Yes, they probably still work harder than most politicians! That bar remains low, and they clear it comfortably. A racehorse doesn't just turn up on the track ready to go. It takes years of work: breeding, foaling, breaking in, spelling, training and constant care. That means stablehands, stud grooms, vets, farriers, transport operators, feed suppliers, fencers, irrigators, admin staff and local tradies. This is skilled, physical and proud work.”
“I rise today to speak about an industry that is absolutely central to my electorate of the Hunter: the thoroughbred industry. When people think about the Hunter, they often think about the world's best wine, the best coal in the world, the iconic power stations, manufacturing and our stunning Lake Macquarie, the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, and they would be right. But they should also think about the horses, because the thoroughbred industry is one of the greatest success stories of our region and it deserves recognition in this place. This is not just about racing on a Saturday afternoon. This is a serious regional industry that operates every day of the year and supports thousands of jobs right across the Hunter and the Upper Hunter and beyond.”
“That's why I support the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025, and that's why I commend it to the House.”
“It means a farmer checking in from the paddock, a truckie being able to call for help on a remote stretch of road, a family feeling safer when loved ones are travelling and a worker being able to send a message from a site that was previously off the grid. Importantly, it builds on services that are already showing results. Telstra's existing direct-to-device service has demonstrated the value of satellite enabled connectivity. This bill ensures that value is shared, expanded and embedded into our national framework. It is not about waiting for perfection; it is about taking a big step forward. The vision is clear: a country where you can step outside, look up and connect, no matter where you live, no matter where you work, no matter where you travel. For the Hunter, that vision matters.”
“It creates obligations, it creates accountability and it creates a pathway to close one of the most persistent digital divides in this country. I also want to acknowledge the extensive consultation that has taken place on this legislation. Consumer groups, regional stakeholders, industry regulators and state and territory governments have all had input. Consumers and stakeholders strongly support this bill, particularly its focus on equitable access and safety. Industry has raised implementation issues, and there is time built into the framework to work through those issues responsibly. That is how good policy is made. For the Hunter, the universal outdoor mobile obligation represents progress that people can see and feel.”
“I've spoken to Hunter residents who have lived through recent disasters and know how terrifying being cut off can be—no phone, no updates, no way to call for help. This bill is about reducing that risk. It is also about fairness. Regional Australians pay phone bills, the same as everybody else. They contribute to the economy. They power this country through agriculture, mining and energy. They deserve the same level of safety and connectivity. For too long, people outside of the cities have been told that patchy coverage is just part of regional life and that they should accept this—that they should accept less. This bill says that that is no longer good enough. It brings mobile coverage into the universal services regime.”
“They are about being able to call for help, check in with the family, run a business and feel safe. The benefits of this bill for the Hunter extend beyond emergencies. Better outdoor mobile coverage supports agriculture, mining, tourism and small businesses. It supports productivity and safety at worksites and job sites. It supports people travelling through the region and it supports community confidence. It also supports our emergency services. When bushfires, floods or storms hit, communications are critical. This bill complements recent reforms to strengthen triple zero and restore public confidence in emergency call services. Expanding baseline mobile coverage improves the likelihood that people can access help when they need it most.”
“I've also spoken with parents, particularly in rural parts of the Hunter, who worry when their kids are travelling long distances for sport, work or school. One parent told me that the hardest part is not knowing whether their child has arrived safely because there are entire stretches where no messages can get through. Even the ability to send a simple text would ease that anxiety. Local businesses have also told me how valuable Telstra's existing satellite backed services have been. I've heard from people who are able to send messages from properties or worksites where they never could before. It's not perfect, but it's progress, and it shows why this technology, when made universal, will have such a powerful impact. These are practical, everyday conversations. They are not about flashy technology or big promises.”
“They rely on mobile phones to take bookings, coordinate staff and reassure visitors. More than one operator has told me that they spend a good part of every day explaining to customers why there is no reception once they arrive. This affects confidence, repeat business and livelihoods. Knowing there is a basic level of outdoor coverage would make a real difference to how these businesses operate. I've spoken with truckies and shiftworkers who travel long stretches of regional roads late at night. One transport worker told me that he has planned breaks around where he knows he can get reception just in case something happens. Another truckie said he worries about hitting wildlife or breaking down in areas where there is no signal at all. For people whose jobs depend on being on the road, this legislation is about safety, not convenience.”
“I want to ground this in the conversations I have had across the Hunter, because this issue comes up everywhere I go. I've spoken with farmers in the Upper Hunter who have told me plainly that mobile coverage can disappear the moment that they leave the homestead. One bloke said to me that, when he's out checking his stock or fixing his fences, his phone might as well be a brick. If something goes wrong, if he is injured or his machinery fails, he knows he could be hours away from help. The ability to send a message or make a call from anywhere on his property would genuinely change how safe he feels doing his job on his own property. I've spoken with small-business owners who operate tourism ventures in and around the Watagans and the Barrington foothills.”
“That balance is extremely important. We are not sitting around waiting for the market to fix this on its own. We are legislating it now to make sure this crucial technology is deployed widely and equitably and that regional Australians benefit from it as soon as possible. The bill also creates new powers to set standards, rules and benchmarks for mobile services. That includes the ability to step in if an industry does not deliver or if consumers are being left behind. For communities like mine, that accountability matters so much. People in the Hunter have heard plenty of promises over the years about connectivity. What they want now is delivery. This legislation creates a framework to ensure that that delivery actually happens.”
“The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation delivers that solution. Initially, the obligation will focus on voice and SMS services. That is deliberate. It reflects the current state of the technology and the primary objective of public safety. In an emergency, you do not need streaming or high-speed data. But you do need to be able to make a call, you need to be able to send a text message and you need a service to work reliably. Over time, as technology evolves, this framework will allow the scope of obligation to be expanded. That flexibility is built into this legislation. The bill sets a default commencement date of 1 December 2025. That date sends a clear signal to industry that this is a clear priority, but it also allows flexibility to adjust timing if needed, based on market readiness and technical capabilities.”
“This bill builds on that progress and scales it nationally. It ensures that all three major carriers are required to provide baseline outdoor mobile coverage rather than leave it to individual commercial decisions. It also improves competition because not one network should have a monopoly on safety. Importantly, this legislation is not about replacing traditional mobile coverage; it is about expanding coverage to places where, despite decades of investment and co-investment, it has not been feasible to build towers. For the Hunter, that distinction matters. People want better mobile coverage in towns and along highways, and the government continues to invest in programs, like the Mobile Black Spot Program, to do exactly that. But we also need a solution for the places where towers simply are not practical.”
“Telstra has already been rolling out the direct-to-device satellite enabled services in Australia. This allows basic SMS and voice connectivity in areas without traditional mobile coverage. In parts of regional Australia, including areas relevant to the Hunter, that service is already making a real difference. I've heard directly from people who've been able to send messages from places where they never could have before. I've heard from workers in remote locations who can now check in on family. I've heard from travellers who feel safer in knowing that they have a backup if something goes wrong. That existing Telstra service shows exactly what's possible. It shows that this technology works, and it shows why this government needs to step in to make sure it is available to everybody, not just those on one network or in one location.”
“I've heard from shift workers who drive home late at night on dark regional roads, with no way to call for help if something goes wrong. This bill speaks directly to those experiences. It brings mobile services into the universal services framework for the very first time. In doing so, it recognises that safety should not be dependent on your postcode. One of the strengths of this legislation is that it is technology neutral but outcome focused. It does not mandate one single solution; instead, it requires mobile network operators to meet the obligation by using a combination of their existing terrestrial networks and new direct-to-device technology enabled by low-Earth-orbit satellites. That flexibility matters, and it's important to acknowledge that we are not starting from scratch.”
“People know exactly where the black spots are. They slow down to send a text message before they lose signal. They plan trips around coverage. They carry UHF radios or satellite phones, if they can afford them, or their daughters ask them to stop a little bit sooner so they can make sure they can send a message. But too many people don't have those options. I've heard from Hunter residents who have broken down on the back roads with no reception. I've heard from farmers who have been injured on their own properties and have had to drive until they find a signal. I've heard from families worried sick because somebody was overdue and uncontactable. I've heard from parents whose kids travel long distances on school buses through areas with no mobile coverage.”
“The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will require Telstra, Optus and TPG to provide reasonable and equitable access to outdoor mobile voice and text services almost everywhere across this country. It will ensure that whether you are broken down on a regional road, injured on a farm, working in the bush or caught in the natural disaster you can look up, see the sky and make a call for help. For the Hunter, that is a real game changer. The Hunter is not one uniform place. It includes dense regional centres, like Singleton and Cessnock, but also isolated rural areas, like Laguna, Paynes Crossing, Putty and large parts of the Upper Hunter. It includes mining operations, vineyards, cattle properties, tourism areas and long-haul transport routes. In many of those places, mobile coverage drops out very quickly once you leave town.”
“At its core, this bill establishes the universal outdoor mobile obligation for the first time in Australia's history. It recognises something regional Australians have been saying for years, if not decades—that mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury. It is essential infrastructure and it should not stop at the edge of town. Right now, traditional mobile coverage reaches areas where around 99 per cent of Australians live and work, but it covers only about one-third of Australia's landmass. In the remaining two-thirds of the country, including in vast parts of the Hunter, it simply is not possible to make a triple zero call by using a standard mobile phone. That is a gap this legislation addresses.”
“I rise today to speak in strong support for the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025. I do so as the member for Hunter, representing one of the most diverse regions in the country. It's a place of regional cities, mining towns, farming communities and some of the very best wine in the world. It has bushland, national parks and long stretches of highway. It's a place where people work hard, look after each other and too often have had to live with patchy or non-existent mobile coverage once stepping outside town limits. For communities like mine, this bill is not abstract. It is not theoretical. It is practical. It is overdue. It will make a real difference to people's safety, livelihoods and peace of mind in the Hunter.”
“Whether it was responding to the house fires, car accidents, industrial incidents or natural disasters, people in the Hunter knew that, when the pager went off, Wayne would be there. It wasn't just that service on the ground either. In 2016 he proudly brought home a silver medal for the New South Wales Firefighter Championships. That's a pretty good effort for a bloke who spent his life running towards danger while the rest of us were running the other way. On behalf of the entire Hunter community, we thank you, Wayne, for your dedication, your leadership and your services, and you enjoy a well-earned retirement, mate, and have a good one at it. Cheers.”
“I want to recognise one of the hunter's finest, Captain Wayne Redfern, who has officially hung up the helmet after an incredible 40 years with Fire and Rescue NSW Station 349 at Kurri Kurri. But, like a lot of local firies, Wayne's story didn't start there. Before joining Fire and Rescue NSW back in 1986, he'd already spent 15 years with NSW Rural Fire Service. That means, for more than half a century, Wayne has been turning up at all hours of the day and night to protect Hunter families. In communities right across the coalfields, our firefighters aren't just emergency responders. They're neighbours, workmates, coaches at the footy club and volunteers at the local school fete. Wayne has lived that community spirit every single day of his career.”