Telecommunications consumer representation grants

Section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 gives the Minister provision to make grants of financial assistance to consumer bodies to support consumer representation in the telecommunications sector. The primary objectives of this program are:

• fostering community awareness of telecommunications issues affecting consumers
• representing consumers' interests in the development of government and industry policy relating to telecommunications
• facilitating discussion of and research into telecommunications issues of interest to consumers.

From 1 July 2009, the Australian Communications Consumers Action Network (ACCAN) will administer funding under the Consumer Representation Grants Program. Queries should be directed to the Department by telephone on (02) 6271 7000.

ACCAN will:

• represent consumer interests, with sound policy positions underpinned by robust, evidence-based research
• establish Expert Advisory Committees comprising interested consumer groups to develop policy recommendations
• inform consumers via web resources and publications
• train volunteer consumer advocates to engage the broader community, including Indigenous and rural or remote communities
• participate in industry and government processes, including self-regulatory activities and government/industry inquiries
• conduct conferences and workshops, and
• administer a grants scheme for research projects on topical communications issues.

• Document ID: 3496 |
• Last modified: 13 May 2009, 11:19am