Media Release | 2 October 2026
Hon. Rob Horstman MLC
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Hon. Rob Horstman MLC says the commencement of Temporary Disaster Roaming (TDR) by Australia’s major mobile operators still leaves significant gaps for regional and remote communities in Western Australia.
From 1 October, telecommunications providers can activate TDR during natural disasters, allowing customers to connect to another participating network if their usual service fails.
Mr Horstman said the change would improve emergency communications during bushfires, cyclones and floods, but its effectiveness would remain limited in many parts of regional Western Australia.
“Being able to make a call, send a message or access critical information when your normal mobile network has failed is absolutely crucial,” Mr Horstman said.
“However, the weakness in this system is that it only works where another network remains available, and for many regional communities there simply isn’t a second network to roam onto.
“If the only tower servicing a town goes offline during a cyclone, bushfire or major storm, Temporary Disaster Roaming cannot help.
“That is why this rollout cannot distract from the bigger issue: too many regional and remote Western Australians still live, work and travel through areas with little or no reliable mobile coverage.
“Persistent mobile black spots mean there are communities where disaster roaming will offer little protection because the underlying telecommunications infrastructure simply isn’t there.
“Regional Western Australians are among the most exposed to natural disasters, yet they continue to face some of the greatest communications vulnerabilities.”
Mr Horstman said TDR should not be viewed as ‘mission accomplished’, and its rollout must be closely monitored.
“TDR is a step forward, but it is no substitute for stronger regional coverage, better backup power and greater network redundancy.
“The Federal Government must continue investing in regional telecommunications infrastructure and addressing the black spots that leave communities vulnerable, particularly during an emergency.”
ENDS
