The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) welcomes the reappointment of Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield to the position of Minister for Communications and the Arts in Prime Minister Morrison’s newly formed Cabinet.

“As the peak body responsible for representing all Australian telecommunications consumers, ACCAN looks forward to continuing to engage with Minister Fifield and his office to ensure better outcomes for consumers and small businesses,” said Teresa Corbin, ACCAN CEO.

“We welcome Prime Minister Morrison’s pledge to listen to Australians and engage on the issues that are important to them. In our recent submission to the Consumer Safeguards Review, ACCAN has called for better regulation in telecommunications to protect the interests of consumers.”

We also welcome the appointment of Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie to the role of Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation.

We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Minister McKenzie to highlight telecommunications issues and equity of services in regional, rural and remote Australia. We also look forward to providing our insights and recommendations to her office in regards to relevant policy matters, such as the Regional Telecommunications Review.

“Regional Australians are faced with unique challenges when it comes to accessing affordable and reliable telecommunications services. We hope that Minister McKenzie will continue to be a vocal advocate for closing the digital divide that has historically existed between Australia’s regional and urban centres,” added Ms Corbin.

Earlier this month, ACCAN completed a submission for the Regional Telecommunications Review which outlined emerging or persistent issues for regional telecommunications consumers and provided recommendations on how these might be addressed. Among the key issues identified were affordability challenges faced by low income regional consumers, the need for a renewed commitment to further funding for investments in infrastructure that reflect community needs and aspirations, and the case for a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion for Indigenous Australians living in remote communities.

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