Peak communications consumer body ACCAN is calling on the 48th Parliament to act on long-awaited reforms to ensure accessible, affordable and reliable communications for all Australians.
In recent months, multiple reviews and inquiries have been completed and some await a government response. It's time for many of those findings and recommendations to be realised in government policy.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett, in Canberra this week for the first sitting of the 48th Parliament, said Australians are expecting real progress on issues like affordability, coverage and consumer protections.
A high priority is the government's Telecommunications (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill (TECS), which passed the House of Representatives in the last term of parliament but didn't make it to the Senate. This Bill should now be passed without delay to secure stronger powers for the regulator and better protections for telco consumers.
"People need to know that if their telco does the wrong thing, someone will hold them to account — and that this will happen before matters escalate to the point of serious misconduct, the likes of which recently ended in an unprecedented $100 million ACCC fine against Optus."
Another key reform is the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), which would provide an important safety net for mobile coverage across Australia.
"The UOMO is a critical part of fixing the outdated Universal Service Obligation, which hails from the era of copper landlines," Ms Bennett said.
"Today, mobile connectivity is essential – yet with new developments in LEOsat messaging, consumers may be able to contact friends, but not emergency services. That's just one example of a critical system not changing with the times."
"Australians have waited long enough. We need to see real action to modernise the Universal Services framework, protect people from unfair treatment, and make sure everyone can rely on their phone and internet when it matters most."
ACCAN is also urging the Government to reconsider the proposed rollover of valuable spectrum licences without a competitive process.
"Spectrum is a precious public asset. We believe the community deserves to know whether rolling over billions of dollars' worth of licences to legacy telcos is the right choice – or if a competitive auction would deliver better value, more competition and ultimately lower prices for consumers in the long term," Ms Bennett said.
Finally, the Regional Telecommunications Review is now due for a government response following its tabling at the end of 2024.
"The Regional Telecommunications Review undertook extensive consultation to put forward a set of recommendations that inform the future of communications in a country with unique geographic challenges."
"As the government works towards delivering a productivity agenda, ACCAN believes that ensuring all Australians have connectivity will be the key to driving economic and social wellbeing of our nation."
"The 48th Parliament has a clear opportunity to deliver better outcomes for all consumers – despite their location and income."
"We look forward to working with all members of Parliament to deliver reforms that make communications services more accessible, affordable and reliable for everyone and that no Australians are left behind." Ms Bennett concluded.
About us:
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia's peak communication consumer organisation. The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
