1. Introduction
ACCAN was formed as a peak body for consumers and consumer organisations on communications issues, including telecommunications and the internet. ACCAN has a central role in advocacy, research, training, consultation, the provision of policy advice and consumer education. One specific function of ACCAN is to administer the distribution of funding previously allocated by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (section 593 grants).
Individuals and organisations joining ACCAN retain their identity and are able to advocate on their own or their members’ behalf. ACCAN is an important forum in which consumer concerns and views can be debated and shared and, as much as possible, resolved.
The overarching objective guiding ACCAN isto ensure that communications are available, accessible and affordable for all Australians.
The ACCAN constitution was created in 2008 and amended in 2012.
The Strategic Plan provides insights into ACCAN’s mission, values and strategic goals. The Plan will direct the organisation’s work for the next three (3) years and sets out how ACCAN will achieve its mission of available, accessible and affordable communications that enhance the lives of consumers.
Download:
ACCAN Strategic Plan 2021-2024 1.35 MB
2021-22 Annual Report
Like most organisations, much of the first part of the year was spent in lockdown conditions due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Fortunately, the ACCAN team has become well accustomed to remote working so we were able to continue operations with minimal disruption. A particular highlight was the delivery of our annual conference in a virtual format through a purpose built online conference platform. With almost 300 delegates in attendance, it was clear that this format allowed for much greater participation from stakeholders across the country, and even some international delegates, than has otherwise been the case.
Through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), ACCAN aims to:
- build and maintain positive relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities;
- ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and/or employees of ACCAN are valued for their unique perspectives and experiences;
- support story telling as a culturally important form of communication for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- assist in reducing the digital divide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- demonstrate culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
ACCAN values disability access. We want to be a model in this field, for other not-for-profits, industry and government. ACCAN has registered our 2022-2024 Disability Inclusion Action Plan with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Register of Disability Discrimination Act Action Plans.
Through enacting our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, ACCAN aims to: