This a good move. I see it all the time.
Just last week I was sitting at traffic lights and as they went green I delayed pulling out as I wasn't sure if the car on opposing side (facing me) was turning right as I was. As we both delayed pulling out by just a few seconds, we watched in shock as a car travelling through the intersection ran their red light and sure enough he had his head down looking and/or texting on his mobile. Had I pulled out on the green his car would of slammed into Scotty's driver door.
And no I am not going get a farkin lottery ticket.

They should do the same here but idiots would still do it

You can use a hands-free, just don't touch the phone!

From NSW Transport: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/using-roads/index.html

Use of mobile phones

While a vehicle is moving or stationary (but not parked), a driver may only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call or use the audio playing function:

? If the mobile phone is secured in a fixed mounting; or
? If not in a mounting, use of the mobile phone must not require a driver to touch or manipulate the phone in any way.

All other functions including texting, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are prohibited.
The new laws make it clear that a driver in a moving or stationary vehicle (unless parked) MUST NOT HOLD a phone in his or her hand other than to pass the phone to a passenger.
Penalty: 3 demerit points (4 in a school zone) and $298 ($397 in a school zone)
NOTE: Learner and Provisional P1 drivers are not allowed to use ANY function of a phone (including hands-free) while driving.


Visual display units in motor vehicles

A visual display unit (including a mobile phone), which is being used as a driver's aid function, such as a GPS, may only be used in a motor vehicle if it is secured in a fixed mounting. This mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for this purpose. It must be positioned in the vehicle to not distract or obscure the driver's view.
Penalty: 3 demerit points (4 in a school zone) and $298 ($397 in a school zone)

AND, you now must signal when exiting a roundabout.
(Bit hard on some of those little dinky ones on back streets - but I guess that comes under the "not practical to do so" clause)


Signalling at a roundabout

Drivers entering a roundabout and intending to turn
either left or right, must give sufficient warning to other
road users by signalling before entering the roundabout.
The image below illustrates this.
Previously a driver had to indicate only when entering
the roundabout.
When exiting a roundabout, whether turning left, right
or even straight ahead, drivers must always indicate a
left turn just before exiting, unless it is not practical to
do so.
Penalty: 2 demerit points and $165

The distracting aspect of using a mobile when driving is not holding the phone to your ear whilst driving one handed - albeit still dangerous. The fact that you are having a conversation on the phone is the distracting part. I use a hands free ear piece thingy and after getting off the phone after a few minutes I can honestly say I don't recall driving the previous few K.
I guess the government can't or won't ban taking on hands free but it should. I am starting think about putting my mobile in the glove box whilst driving. My job requires me to drive about 500 k's per week around Sydney metro area btw.

this iphone obsession spreading like a disease. its not funny. all these zombies walking and driving around with their frozen eyes at stupid thing and finger work.