Monash University, Automated Society Working Group

Grant round: 2019

Amount: $49,579

Read more: Unregulated and Segmented Dark Ads on Social Media: Consumer Education and Regulatory Options

With devices being brought out more and more frequently with new and exciting features, new tech can make for great gifts for relatives and friends who need a new device/s. However, phones, tablets, laptops or gaming devices can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re taking a few key things into consideration before purchasing these items as gifts.

Read more: Make a list and check it twice before buying tech this holiday season

ACCAN endorses the position taken by the Consumer Action Law Centre in calling for tougher penalties for Telcos following the ACMA disciplinary action against Telstra for breaching financial hardship rules.

View the Consumer Action Law Centre Media Release

Read more: ACCAN endorsement of Consumer Action Law Centre position

Tablet devices - Western Australia

Read more: Elle Morrell

ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Social Services consultation on the Australian Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

The 222 recommendations provided in the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) are a significant opportunity for Australia to create impactful, lasting, and positive change across a variety of critical areas for people with disability, including access to communications products and services.

ACCAN recommends that the government response to the DRC should include:

Read more: Australian Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and...

Wondering how to make Facebook work with your screenreader, or whether LinkedIn is accessible? These tip sheets from Media Access Australia, available in print or audio formats, are full of tips and tricks for getting around the accessibility challenges of popular social media platforms. See below to access easy-to-understand information about how to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Skype and YouTube, or to learn more about blogging.

Read more: Sociability: social media for people with a disability

Download: Received an unexpectedly high bill56.5 KB

Download: Received an unexpectedly high bill319.78 KB

Many phone providers have a limit on how many calls you can make, texts you can send and data you can use each month. If you go over your limit you could be charged extra fees. These fees can be very expensive and it is best to avoid going over your limit if you can. See our tip sheet on how to avoid smartphone bill shock for more information.

Read more: Received an unexpectedly high bill?

ACCAN would like to invite our members, financial counsellors and others to attend a "Your Rights" workshop being hosted by ACCAN Chief Executive, Teresa Corbin. Ms Corbin will explain what rights Australian phone and internet customers in relation to common issues such as bill shock, mobile phone and internet contracts and how to make an effective complaint.

Read more: Phone Problems & Consumer Rights Workshop

ACCAN and CHOICE's joint position statement on mobile commerce outlines the key consumer protection principles for m-commerce in the Australian market.

Read more: M-commerce position statement

Download: Battle of the Bytes5.93 MB

Download accessible version: Battle of the Bytes49.74 KB

ACCAN has worked with Dr Paul Harrison (Deakin University) to examine the extent to which consumers understand the information provided to them by telecommunications providers. This research will guide ACCAN’s constructive contribution to future reviews of telecommunications industry customer information obligations, at a time when significant structural changes in the telecommunications market mean that consumers will be offered greater choice of retail providers and services.

Read more: Confident, but Confounded: Consumer Comprehension of Telecommunications Agreements

The summary below outlines ACCAN's activities from 1 June – 31 August 2017.

Read more: Quarter 1, FY17-18

First Nations Media Australia

Grant round: 2019

Amount: $49,670

Read more: Indigenous Community Perspectives and Experiences of Digital Inclusion

Good afternoon,

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that I am on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging..  

This afternoon, there are three areas that I’d like to discuss:

• The need for reliable and fair communications
• Consumer issues with Digital Platforms and IOT
• Media Reform Green Paper

Read more: 2021 CommsDay Summit Speech by ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has bid farewell to Chairperson Deirdre O’Donnell, who stood down as Chair and ACCAN Director at its November Board meeting. Deirdre has held the position since November 2017 and has guided the organisation through a period of substantive change in that time.

“It’s been a real privilege to have been Chair of the ACCAN Board for the last five years, and to have worked alongside a group of talented and committed directors dedicated to governing ACCAN in line with its mission.

Read more: ACCAN Farewells Board Chair Deirdre O’Donnell

Tablet devices - New South Wales

Read more: Nerida O'Loughlin PSM

ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts' Discussion Paper: Carriage Service Provider (CSP) registration or licensing scheme for the telecommunications industry.  

ACCAN supports the creation of a registration or licensing scheme (RoLS) for the telecommunications market. A RoLS represents an important component to ensure the telecommunications market works efficiently for all participants. An RoLS would: 

Read more: DITRDCA Consultation on a registration or licensing scheme for the telecommunications industry

ACCAN, in alliance with Australia's peak disability organisations, is calling for the federal government to implement a whole-of-government procurement policy for accessible information and communications technology (ICT). Ensuring that all government workplaces and services are accessible for people with disability will provide tangible benefits for the whole Australian community and economy.

Read more: Call for Australian Government policy for procurement of accessible ICT

Cloud computing has the potential to transform the way individual consumers and small businesses store and use data, potentially saving time, money and effort. You may already be using a cloud computing service like Hotmail or other web-based email services. However, cloud computing involves risks for consumers that must be carefully managed.

Read more: What consumers need from cloud computing

Mobile technology is a potential game changer for people with disability and many older people; providing access and inclusion through usable, accessible and affordable mobile equipment and services.

Read more: M-Enabling Australasia 2013

Download: A new dawn for telcos?2.97 MB

Download accessible version: A new dawn for telcos?73 KB

As our communications market continues to develop and the essential nature of network connectivity increases, issues of affordability for many Australians are creating barriers to our communications networks. Overcoming these barriers is increasingly important as government services and information become ‘digital by default’. Ensuring that all Australians are able to afford to connect to communications networks and services suitable to their specific needs will increase economic, social and community participation.

Read more: Affordability Map