Our submission expresses strong support for the prompt implementation of the Industry Standard, advocating for mandatory rather than voluntary standards to ensure equitable service for consumers across all providers. A key concern is raised regarding the inclusion of section 19, which exempts carriers from outage requirements during natural disasters. Our submission highlights the critical need for telecommunications connectedness in the aftermath of such events, citing the Victorian Network Outage Review and its recommendations. It recommends that section 19 be reviewed and amended or removed to prioritise public safety.