Details

Australia’s peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has welcomed news that Optus will pay one of the largest consumer law penalties in Australian history - a $100 million fine, subject to court approval, for unconscionable conduct.

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said, “Unconscionable conduct is a high bar and one that Optus has spectacularly surpassed in its behaviour preying on some of our most vulnerable communities and consumers, including Indigenous communities. We thank the ACCC for acting on behalf of those who were exploited by this appalling behaviour.”

Details

ACCAN’s submission to the Productivity Commission highlights the dire need for reform in Australia’s privacy protections to effectively protect personal information and drive consumer confidence. The reforms outlined in the Privacy Act Review represent a tangible first step to balancing the needs of consumers and enabling more ethical business practices. This will in turn drive good business practices, foster trust in Australia’s digital economy and boost productivity.

Details

ACCAN has today welcomed the announcement from Minister for Communications Anika Wells that the Telecommunications (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Consumer Protections) Industry Standard 2025 has been finalised and will come into effect on 1 July 2025 as a crucial milestone for Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.

Details

The opinion piece below was written by ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett for the Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. It was originally published on 7 June 2025.

Virtually every man, woman and teenager has a mobile phone. Ninety-eight per cent of adults use mobile phones for calls.

Write comment (0 Comments)

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) proposal to vary the Submarine Cable (Southern Sydney Protection Zone) Declaration 2007 (the Protection Zone Declaration).

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts’ (the Department) consultation on the design features of the National Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program (National RRAMP).

Details

Peak communications consumer body ACCAN has expressed concern following today’s news that Telstra has been fined for failing to maintain access for more than 12 hours to the 106 emergency call service used by Australians with hearing and speech impairments.

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to the ACCC’s review of the Broadband Speed Claims Industry Guidance. The guidance advises retailers on how to accurately advertise broadband speeds to consumers. This update was prompted by NBN’s announcement of accelerated speed tiers that will be introduced in September 2025.

Details

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is pleased to provide this submission on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts’ (the Department) Consultation Paper: Statutory Infrastructure Provider Regulated Broadband Speeds.

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to Communications Alliance’s scheduled review of G596:2013 Communication Support for Emergency Response Industry Guideline (the Guideline).

Details

ACCAN recently submitted to Communications Alliance’s scheduled review of the G522:2016 Calling Number Display Industry Guideline (the Guideline).

Details

Too many Australians are being pressured into phone and internet deals that don’t meet their needs. The industry-drafted rules that are in place to protect consumers from harmful sales practices simply aren’t working, and must be replaced with direct regulation, says the Fair Call Coalition – 23 peak consumer bodies with an interest in a fair deal for telco consumers.

About us

ACCAN in Action