The development of telecommunications infrastructure is currently controlled by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Act 1991 and the Telecommunications National Code 1996. These provide certain powers and immunities for telecommunications carriers including exemption from complying with state planning and environmental legislation.

With effect from 1 July 1997 the Telecommunications Act 1997 and a new Telecommunications National Code will come into force. The major effect of the new Act on planning processes will be that the installation of telecommunication facilities, other than low impact facilities as defined in a ministerial determination, will have to comply with state planning and environmental legislation.

The new Telecommunications National Code is not yet finalised.