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Telcos are writing the rules that are meant to hold them accountable. It's no surprise they’re failing consumers. The Telecommunication Consumer Protection (TCP) Code is supposed to set rules for how telcos treat their customers. It covers things like sales practices, billing, credit checks, and customer service. Read more: Fair Call Campaign 2025 Write comment (0 Comments)
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. It was originally published on 24 March 2025. When our phones and internet are knocked out in natural disasters - such as occurred in the recent cyclone and flooding in northern NSW and south-east Queensland – it’s not just inconvenient, it puts lives at risk. Being disconnected makes it difficult to know what is happening, seek help – or even to offer help - support others and reassure family and friends. Read more: Communications are critical: So why is the fox in charge of the henhouse? Write comment (0 Comments)
ACCAN’s 2025 Election PlatformA fairer future for communicationsAustralians deserve communications and digital services that are affordable, reliable, and deliver on their promises. Rising costs, a lack of transparency, and inadequate consumer protections are leaving many behind. We're campaigning for a fairer communications market, where everyone can afford to stay connected and digital giants are held accountable. It's time for real action to ensure access to essential communication services isn't a privilege, but a right. Learn how we’re fighting for your communications needs, see our election campaign asks. Read more: A fairer future for communications Write comment (0 Comments)
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. It was originally published on 29 January 2025. Ahead of the parliamentary debate there seems a lot of discussion about ensuring there are adequate protections - but for who? Read more: New anti-scam laws are a rip off, unless you're a bank or big business Write comment (0 Comments)
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Canberra Times. It was originally published on 13 December 2024. Australians will go to the polls in the first half of next year with the cost-of-living crisis dominating the political agenda. The skyrocketing costs of essentials have hit people hard. The housing crisis has sent rents spiralling, and supermarkets have been accused of price gouging on essential food items. The eye-watering cost of electricity and other utilities is also hitting hard. Read more: Essential communications unaffordable for too many Write comment (0 Comments)
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Sun Herald. It was originally published on 28 November 2024. Imposing a ban on social media for those under 16 years of age won’t be simple and it certainly won’t be a silver bullet. But it is the right thing to do. The government’s proposed ban has polarised policymakers, the media and experts. It has also become a 'play thing’ of the politicking that is now reaching a new levels as we approach an election in early 2025. Read more: Four reasons for the social media youth ban Write comment (0 Comments)
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Background
The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Canberra Times. It was originally published on 13 November 2024.