This week, I spent time in the first sitting week of the year in Canberra talking to MPs, community sector leaders and consumer advocates. In particular, Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin, Policy Officer Rose Bruce-Smith and I met with an assembly of crossbench Teal and Independent MPs to discuss the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF).
The SPF is a critical policy which – if done right – will stem the flow of scams losses and associated financial damage and emotional trauma which is felt around the country.
A Senate inquiry into the SPF legislation was handed down earlier in the week and recommended that the Bill be passed without amendment in order to ensure the legislation is in place as soon as possible. It won’t have reimbursement provisions that we and others in the consumer sector have pushed so hard for.
While this is disappointing, we know that the SPF will still make a difference in the scam fightback. As currently drafted, the interests of banks, telcos and social media platforms are placed above the interests of Australian consumers who will be forced to prosecute complex dispute resolution processes. This will effectively be a double whammy for those already bearing the brunt of scams.
That’s why we will continue to lobby for compensation at a minimum for scams victims as the Bill progresses back through Parliament.
I also met with ACOSS Chief Executive Cassandra Goldie during our time in the capital to discuss the cost of living pressures faced by too many Australians. We are pleased to support the ACOSS Raise the Rate campaign and do so with confidence that a boosted level of government income support will help to ensure some of Australia’s most vulnerable and low-income citizens can get connected and stay connected. As our research has made clear, Australia’s poorest households spend a higher percentage of their income on essential phone and internet services. A lifted rate of Jobseeker and other income support payments will help – and so will a concessional broadband product to ensure the poorest in our society can access the NBN.
The Online Safety Act Review commissioned by the Government and led by ACCAN Deputy Chairperson Delia Rickard was also delivered this week. It recommended a robust digital duty of care for social media giants, with significant penalties for non-compliant companies. The Review made 67 recommendations overall. This is an important review that addresses key challenges in online safety.
On Wednesday afternoon we heard one final hearing of a Senate inquiry into the shutdown of 3G mobile networks. Our members, the National Farmers Federation, put to the committee stories of the acute and ongoing problems some consumers are having with coverage loss and service reliability.
Finally, I recognise that some readers may be struggling with extensive movement restrictions, property damage or other challenges because of the floods in North Queensland. I spoke to Kat Feeney on QLD Radio on Tuesday to discuss progress underway to address infrastucture resilience amid escalating disaster and emergency situations. The government has new and useful information on the Communications Department website.
Thank you for your continued support.
