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Dear ACCAN Members,
We would like to advise everyone that due to the unfortunate passing of Her Majesty the Queen and the National Day of Mourning on September 22nd, ACCAN’s Annual General meeting, scheduled for that day, will need to be re-scheduled.
In anticipation of a quorum of members not being present at the scheduled meeting, under Section 15.3.2 of ACCAN’s Constitution, we propose we adjourn the meeting to the same time for the following week; 4.00pm Thursday 29th September 2022. The rescheduled meeting will also be conducted online using the same Zoom link if you have registered already.
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the ACCAN will be held via virtual meeting, on Thursday 29th September 2022 from 4.00pm.
Read more: Notice of postponement - ACCAN Annual General Meeting
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ACCAN recently submitted feedback to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding an issues paper for its March 2023 Report on Social Media Services. The issues paper will inform the ACCC’s sixth interim report for the Digital Platform Services Inquiry. ACCAN’s submission urged the need for regulatory reform to ensure that Australian consumers continue to enjoy the benefits from social media platforms while reducing their harms.
ACCAN’s submission outlined our support for:
Read more: ACCC Report on Social Media Services Issues Paper
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ACCAN recently responded to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts consultation on the proposed remaking of the Broadcasting Services (“Broadcasting Service” Definition—Exclusion) Determination 2019.
Read more: DITRDC proposal to remake The Broadcasting Services Determination
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ACCAN has responded to NBN’s discussion paper on SAU Variation: Proposed changes. The Special Access Undertaking (SAU) determines how much NBN can charge for wholesale phone and internet services and provides the framework for non-price issues.
Read more: RMID1064 - SAU Variation Discussion Paper - August 2022
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Overview
The Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code is an industry code that sets out rules and benchmarks for how telcos must deal with their customers. It protects customers who use mobile phone, landline and internet services, including the NBN.
Sales, advertising, customer service, contracts, billing, credit and debt management, financial hardship arrangements and switching telcos are all covered under the TCP Code.
The TCP Code has been around since 2007 and is reviewed at least every 5 years.
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ACCAN recently submitted to the Office for the Arts’ consultation regarding a new National Cultural Policy. The consultation seeks to establish a new roadmap for Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector. As audio-visual content has become increasingly distributed using digital platforms via broadband internet and mobile telecommunications services, we have represented consumer interests on a case-by-case basis.
ACCAN wrote to support the submission made by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S). ACCAN agrees with the ADM+S that digital technology is an important enabler for Australia’s arts and culture. We support digital inclusion measures that allow all Australians to participate in the nation’s cultural life.
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Community Position on the Public Procurement of Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ACCAN and a consortium of Disability and Consumer Organisations are calling for a whole-of-government policy for the procurement of accessible information and communications technology (ICT).
Public procurement of accessible ICT, across all levels of government, will ensure that all Australians are able to participate and benefit from our growing digital economy.
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Better Basics is the theme for the 2022 Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) conference which is to be held online on September 14. The aim of this year’s conference is to outline some of the key issues that are of continuing importance to consumers, and to highlight the work being done by consumer advocates, industry, regulators, and politicians to improve the communications sector and get the basics right for consumers.
At a time when being connected to communications services is so crucial to everyday life, the reliability of services is essential. Conference delegates will hear from industry experts about measures they’re undertaking to ensure that consumers have reliable access to broadband, mobile and landline services, no matter where they live in Australia.
Read more: Achieving better basics for all during a time of significant change
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The ACCC is currently running an inquiry into the infrastructure used in the supply of mobile telecommunications and other radiocommunications services in regional areas. The inquiry is also exploring the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters or other emergencies.
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ACCAN is seeking nominations for Directors to fill four (4) vacancies on its Board.
In accordance with the ACCAN Constitution, the 2022-2023 ACCAN Board will consist of nine (9) members1. Five (5) positions are continuing Directors from the 2021-2022 Board. Five (5) Directors are retiring from the Board but may be eligible for re-election as stated in the ACCAN Constitution.
In accordance with the ACCAN Constitution Board members are elected for a three-year term.
In order to ensure an appropriate balance, the Board is particularly seeking candidates with legal and regulatory expertise; and/or experience in financial management and governance in a not-for-profit organisation; and/or with lived experience of disability; and/or small businesses; and/or an understanding of the issues affecting young consumers ;and/or from an Indigenous background or with strong linkages to Indigenous communities.
Read more: Call for nominations for the ACCAN Board
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ACCANect 2022 Better Basics featured a range of presentations about key topics including access to reliable communications services, affordable communications, on-line safety and trust, and the essentiality of communications.
Thank you for joining us as we probed the progress and challenges of modernising communications basics for consumers, and to the future opportunities to work together and achieve ACCAN’s vision of communications services that are trusted, inclusive, accessible, and available for all.
All conference registrations have access to a video on demand (VOD) broadcast of the conference on the Delegate Connect Conference Platform.
Registration remains open for those who are not registered and wish to watch ACCANect 2022 Better Basics VOD.
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As Australian households increasingly feel the impact of higher costs of living, new research by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) conducted in April has revealed that 90% of Australians think that telcos should provide an affordable internet plan as standard so that everyone can remain connected.
A nationally representative survey of nearly 1,000 Australians conducted by the peak body for communications consumers also found that more than 80% (82%) view a home internet connection as essential. At the same time, more than a quarter (27%) say their phone and internet costs are unaffordable.
Read more: 90% of Australians think telcos should offer affordable internet plans