ACCAN argues that access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is an important element to achieving an adequate standard of living and social inclusion, a key human rights goal. 

The communications regulator has released a Directions Paper explaining how numbers could be used in the future. Little consideration has been given to how consumers will be affected, ignoring the important role numbering policy has to play in achieving availability, accessible and affordable services that enhances the welfare of all Australians.

On 18 November 2011, the Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, announced the establishment of an independent panel of eminent community leaders to conduct an inquiry into Australian Government services to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

ACCAN's submission focuses on the need to include access to interpreting services for people with disability and people who are Deaf, and also encourages the Australian Government to make information accessible to Deaf people by providing online Auslan translations. 

This submission is ACCAN's response to the Attorney-General's Department's draft Inclusive Communication Guidelines for Emergency Managers, designed to improve access to information and communication for people with disability during times of emergency.

ACCAN is pleased that the Attorney-General’s Department, among other organisations, is working on ways to ensure access to communications and information for people with disability during times of emergency. Our submission notes a number of ways that emergency managers can ensure equitable access.

Payphones are an important public resource and it is vital that the community can rely on clear and fair guidelines for removal or location decisions. The guidelines proposed by the ACMA do not capture all community concerns and are unfairly weighted to commercial considerations. 

This submission is ACCAN's response to a review of the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) conducted by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

The Regional Telecommunications Review is an independent review that takes place every three years to consider whether people in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia have equitable access to telecommunications.

 

ACCAN comments on the Bills establishing the new Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUSMA) and creating a framework for the competitive supply of universal services. 

ACCAN's submission to the Government's review of Telstra retail price controls says it is too early in the NBN rollout to remove regulation on prices charged for basics like phone calls. 

In establishing ACCAN in 2009, the government committed to conduct a performance review after two years of operation. ACCAN welcomes this Mid-Term Review as it provides a valuable opportunity to examine and improve on the important representation, advocacy, research and grants work we undertake.
 

ACCAN has provided its comment in response to the Communication Alliance's release of the Draft Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code.

New research demonstrates that the Australian Communications and Media Authority's plan to make mobile calls to freephone (1800) numbers free and local rate (13/1300) numbers cost 22 cents is in the best interest of consumers.

The improved measures in the draft Mobile Premium Services (MPS) Code are a step in the right direction for consumers but new Code rules are weakened by the Code’s weak approach to compliance monitoring and enforcement.

Payphones are an important public resource. Further to our submission on the Consumer Safeguard Instruments for payphone repairs, removals and installations, we ask the ACMA to keep rigorous records so we know what kind of problems people are encountering with payphones.

ACCAN's submission to the Convergence Review highlights three key issues for reform: telecommunications co-regulation - also known as the smurfberry problem; moving from voice-centric to connectivity-centric regulation; and strengthening accessibility standards in broadcasting.

ACCAN has made a submission to the ACCC consultation on the NBN Co-Optus agreement. We argue that marketing restrictions in the agreement are undesirable and that existing laws against misleading and deceptive conduct are sufficient.

ACCAN has provided its view on Telstra's proposed structural separation undertaking (SSU) in this submission to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). Along with much of the industry, we agree with the ACCC that the current SSU is lacking a clear and enforceable commitment to fair treatment of retail competitors.

Payphones are an important public resource that helps us to connect. ACCAN has submitted comments about the Consumer Safeguard Instruments for payphone repairs, removals and installations to make sure they work in the interest of consumers.

ACCAN recommends that issues relating to social inclusion in the context of information communication technologies (ICT) should be addressed in the Human Rights Baseline Study and provides examples of statistical data that should be collected to measure this.

Most of us take for granted that we can use any communications device – land-line, mobile or internet – to connect to people, services and help. But the reality is that a significant number of Australians can’t use regular products and services because of illness, disability or other impairment. Inclusive Communications is ACCAN's submission to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE)'s Review of Access to Telecommunication Services by People with Disability, Older Australians and People Experiencing Illness.

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