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IN THE NEWS: Scams Awareness Week begins, ACCAN comments on 3G bush connectivity, and telcos face new outage communication rules
CEO MESSAGE: This week, ACCAN is participating in ‘Scams Awareness Week’, which is coordinated by the National Anti-Scam Centre. The theme, “Share a story, stop a scam,” highlights the importance of speaking up about our experiences to reduce stigma and shame that is wrongly attached to becoming the victim of a scam. We’re spreading this message across our platforms and continuing our partnership with Google to promote consumer awareness materials. I encourage everyone to share their stories to help protect our community from these growing threats.
In other news, I recently spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about the upcoming 3G shutdown and its potential impact on vulnerable Australians, especially in rural areas. The closure of 3G networks will have serious consequences for those relying on 3G-enabled medical devices. We’re calling on industry, particularly the medical devices sector, to ensure their customers are prepared.
Lastly, ACCAN welcomed Minister Rowland’s direction to the ACMA to create an industry standard to establish basic rules about how telcos communicate with consumers during outages. Timely information is crucial during such events, and this development is a key step in learning the lesson of the November 2023 Optus outage and will ensure consumers aren’t left in the dark during future outages.
Carol Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
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This week ACCAN is participating in the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC’s) Scams Awareness Week campaign. The theme of the week is: 'Share a story, stop a scam'. We are sharing content across our platforms and continuing our collaboration with Google to promote our guide to spotting scams with YouTube viewers. The NASC is asking Australians to think: have you or someone you know ever been targeted by a scam? Scams are getting more sophisticated every day, and the best way to fight back is through awareness and education. By sharing your story, you can help others recognise the warning signs and help protect the broader community. [ScamWatch]
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In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age over the weekend, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett was quoted regarding the impact of the 3G shutdown on vulnerable Australians, particularly in rural areas. ACCAN is pushing for more action from industry, particularly the medical devices sector, and urges consumers to check their devices and tech now. Carol said that: “We need reassurance that those who are reliant on 3G medical devices, low-income and vulnerable consumers, as well as farms and businesses, are not exposed to harm or left behind.” [SMH]
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Earlier this week, ACCAN welcomed the news that Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority to establish an industry standard to ensure telecommunications companies communicate appropriately with consumers in the event of an outage. A telecommunications outage is extraordinarily difficult, disruptive and dangerous. As such, consumers expect timely information so that they can manage the impacts on their ability to work, study and access fundamental health and safety services. Read the full release on our website, linked above. [ACCAN]
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The SMS Sender ID Register Bill passed the Federal Parliament late last week. The ACMA will now move to establish and operate a Register, which ACCAN is confident will help to combat the growing scourge of scams and the devastating impact they are having on Australians. But all industry participants need to do their part. As such, we this week urged the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP to move towards a mandatory rather than a voluntary registration model. A mandatory model was preferred by 89% of respondents in consultation and will amplify the impact of the Register. [ACCAN]
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The Australian Government is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suppliers of connected agriculture solutions who are interested in participating in Round 2 of the On-Farm Connectivity Program. The Program is providing $18 million to assist Primary Producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to extend connectivity in their fields and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology. Approved businesses will be included on the Round 2 List of Approved Suppliers and will be able to supply equipment to Primary Producers at a reduced rate and claim a rebate of up to 50% of the cost to make up the shortfall. Applicants can access a link to the EOI application on the department’s website. EOIs close on Sunday 29 September 2024. [DITRDCA]
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ACCAN Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing will be speaking at an International Institute of Communications (IIC) event on 5 September. Dr Downing will put forward the consumer perspective on two important reviews - the Universal Service Obligation (USO) review and Regional Telecommunications Review (RTR). Other speakers include the Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC), Alannah MacTiernan and incoming Comms Alliance CEO Luke Coleman. Tickets for this in-person event are free for IIC members, or $89 for general admission. See more at the link above. [International Institute of Communications]
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A person who is the target of a scam may be too caught up in the scammer’s web of deceit to recognise they are being scammed. You can play a vital role in protecting your loved one from harm. This Scams Awareness Week, learn how to help and support a friend or family member who has been scammed by watching this video by neuropsychologist and scams researcher Dr Kate Gould, linked above. [ScamWatch]
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Early last week, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett wrote an opinion piece about the 3G shutdown for the Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. Carol warned consumers to prepare ahead of the shutdown, and called for a ‘whole-of-ecosystem’ approach from industry to ensure consumers remain safe and businesses continue smooth operations after the 3G shutdown. Carol urged the medical devices sector to step up and contact affected customers, and for all Australians to check their devices and prepare ahead of the 28 October shutdown. [ACCAN, via Canberra Times]
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Access to online learning at home is important for your children’s education. Having access to fast internet at home can also help children to improve their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet, and participate in our modern digital world. The School Student Broadband Initiative is an Australian Government Program that offers free home internet to families and carers that have a school age student at home. It was recently extended until 31 December 2025. See if this program is for you or someone you know – learn more at the link above. [Anglicare]
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The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) is currently holding consultations around the country, providing an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. Please note, the survey and online submission process has now closed. The RTIRC are scheduled to be in Katherine and Darwin, NT on 12 September. Find more information at the link above. [RTIRC]
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WebNews #672
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Tel: (02) 9288 4000
Email: media@accan.org.au
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