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Disgraceful Optus conduct must spur fundamental change in telco sector
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The peak body for communications consumers, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) today described the alleged actions of Optus in mis selling products to vulnerable consumers as ‘unconscionable’ and called on the Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland to directly regulate the industry to end this pattern of behaviour by telcos.
The ACCC has today alleged disgraceful conduct by Optus – Australia’s second largest telco. Court action has been launched which accuses Optus of taking advantage of consumers, predominately First Nations, regional consumers, consumers with a disability, and low-income consumers.
Read more: Disgraceful Optus conduct must spur fundamental change in telco sector
Policy Manager
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Policy Manager
(full time, permanent)
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced public policy professional to lead our small but highly effective policy team. Reporting to our Deputy CEO, you will strategically manage a busy policy team of four to six talented policy advisers and coordinate the drafting and development of policy across a wide range of consumer policy issues.
Ban on unfair trading practices welcome
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Today’s announcement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones reflects consistent efforts from consumer advocates to improve shady practices employed by some businesses, and particularly digital platforms.
Unfair practices cost consumers more than just money – it costs them valuable time, reduces consumer confidence in markets and distort consumers’ ability to make free choices. ‘Unfair’ trading practices fall into a category of conduct which can be harmful, subtly manipulative or exploitative, but don’t reach a legal benchmark for unconscionable conduct – which is illegal. This reform will plug the gap between the law and community expectations.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett welcomed this move from the Prime Minister and urged the government to consider any reforms which result in better consumer outcomes.