The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the appointment of Senator Mitch Fifield to the role of Communications Minister. "As the peak organisation representing consumers and small business on telecommunications, we're looking forward to engaging with Minister Fifield on important issues that affect users," said ACCAN CEO, Teresa Corbin.

"We are pleased that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called for Australia to embrace the future and use digital disruption to our advantage. As a nation of early technology adopters, Australian consumers are keener than ever to join in and benefit from innovations that deliver better, more affordable and accessible communications choices."

For example, the establishment of the Digital Transformation Office is a great opportunity to be a world leader and ensure Government services are even more accessible as they move online. We are looking forward to helping ensure this initiative works to overcome any barriers for those unable to use or access the internet.

The future of communications services is in high-speed broadband and the National Broadband Network (NBN), but we want to make sure no consumer is left behind and adequate safety protections are in place for the services that consumers use.

"The rollout of the NBN is vital for many consumers who are poorly served when it comes to data communications services. ACCAN welcomes the soon to be released NBN rollout map and satellite launch, however, we are concerned for consumers who will still be waiting a long time for services to be put in place on the ground," added Ms Corbin.

The Mobile Black Spot Programme has been a much lauded initiative by communications consumers, especially those in remote and regional areas. We have welcomed the increased funding of the second round of the Programme as a win for consumers and we encourage on-going support and expansion of the Programme. Recently ACCAN started looking at the future of the Universal Service Obligation and whether it still meets consumer needs. We look forward to continuing the discussion on this topic with the new Minister for Communications.

For more information, please contact Luke Sutton on 0409 966 931 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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