Carol Bennett

ACCAN recently made a submission to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee’s Inquiry into Triple-Zero service outages. Access to mobile telecommunications is critical for daily life in Australia, and that includes being able to reliably reach Triple-Zero in an emergency. Mobile networks delivering these services must be treated and regulated as essential services. Our submission aims to improve the reliability, inclusivity and availability of the mobile telecommunications services which underpin the delivery Triple-Zero call services. Read our full list of recommendations: accan.org.au/accan-submissi… #triplezero #auspol

The Fair Call Coalition, an alliance of 23 consumer organisations, has today written to the @acmadotgov Chair urging them to reject industry’s re-drafted Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code. The updated Code, put forward by the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA), still fails to deliver the basic protections consumers need to stay connected and avoid harm. It offers no meaningful pathways for remedies when things go wrong, and does not address unsafe sales practices, weak credit assessments, inappropriate disconnections or service limitations, or misleading mobile coverage information. Read the Fair Call Coalition’s letter to the ACMA Chair outlining the industry standards that must be strengthened: accan.org.au/_files/ugd/f3b… The Fair Call Coalition: Consumer Action Law Centre @consumer_action Financial Counselling Australia @FCAupdate Economic Abuse Reference Group @EconomicAbuseRG WEstjustice @choiceaustralia Financial Rights Legal Centre Mob Strong Debt Help @DebtMob Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network @icansocial Consumers’ Federation of Australia South Australian Council of Social Service @SACOSS Care ACT @AnglicareNT Bush Money Mob, WA MoneyMob Talkabout, NT @MoneyMob_Talk Hume Riverina Community Legal Service @HumRivLegal Consumer Credit Legal Service, WA Consumer Policy Research Centre @CPRC_research Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia @COTAAustralia Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Redfern Legal Centre @RLC_News South-East Community Links @SECLservices Australian Council of Social Service @ACOSS Centre for Women’s Economic Safety @bec_glenn #tcpcode #telco #auspol

Telecommunications services are essential to daily life, yet Australia’s laws do not treat them that way, ACCAN told the Senate Environment and Communications Committee yesterday. ACCAN CEO @CarolJBennett and Deputy CEO Dr Gareth Downing warned Senators that, despite the widespread acknowledgement from government, industry and the media that communications services are “essential”, there is no legal basis for this description. “We have both an opportunity and a responsibility to fix this. Reform is needed to bring telecommunications regulation into line with other essential services such as water and energy, where minimum service standards are clearly defined.” Read the media release: accan.org.au/accan-s-media-… @SenSHenderson @sarahinthesen8 @RossCadell @SenRaffCiccone #triplezero #triplezeroinquiry

Our CEO @CarolJBennett spoke to ABC @RadioNational's Paul Turton about the how self-regulation in the telecommunications industry has failed. Industry cannot be expected to manage the public’s safety when its primary responsibility is to shareholders and profitability. Protecting consumers is the role of government and that requires strong, enforceable regulation. We need direct oversight, not industry-written rules that continue to fall short in critical areas. #triplezero

Providing evidence to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee, our CEO @CarolJBennett said that the ongoing Triple-Zero debacle shows that Australia is failing to properly regulate telecommunications for what it is - an essential service. @SenSHenderson @sarahinthesen8 @RossCadell @SenRaffCiccone @abcnews @FinancialReview @jennywiggins #triplezeroinquiry #triplezero #telecommunications

Well said @smh Bevan Shields Stronger government response needed after unacceptable Optus outage smh.com.au/national/nsw/s… @ACCAN_AU

📣 ACCAN is heading to Wollongong! Join us at Bulli Village Markets on Sunday 14 September as we continue engaging with consumers about the NBN’s proposals for its revenue, service standards and operations for FY27–29. After stops in Melbourne, Tasmania and Canberra, we’re now hearing from consumers in Western Sydney and the Illawarra about their NBN experiences—and the investments they want to see for the future. This work, funded by the Federal Government, ensures consumers are fairly represented in NBN Co’s proposed expenditure and that their communications needs are met. 👉 Want to connect with the team in person or online? Get in touch: economicregulation@accan.org.au #nbn #broadband #internet #digitalinclusion #auspol

Great to briefly catch up with @Telstra CEO Vicki Brady at the @PressClubAust in Canberra today. Telecommunications is an essential service, and Ms Brady leads our largest and oldest provider Telstra. The services provided by telcos underpin national productivity - and we agree that digital infrastructure must keep up with modern demand. Of particular interest was the need for more balanced regulation of digital platforms equivalent to telcos. @jennywiggins from @FinancialReview asked Vicki about mobile spectrum auctions and the proposed move away from a competitive auction that would provide the Australian public with fair compensation for telcos' use of spectrum - a valuable public asset. She queried whether Telstra would be willing to pay less in licence fees for a commitment to investment in regional Australia and retail price reductions. ACCAN looks forward to working with industry, government and regulators to ensure Australia's communications sector is productive, trusted and reliable for consumers. @CarolJBennett #telstra #spectrum #spectrumlicence

Great to attend @COSBOA’s State of Small Business event and catch up with Senator Rebekha Sharkie, Anne Aly and Daniel Mulino. A key takeaway: Digital transformation is well advanced, with 85% of businesses using at least one digital tool. Small businesses that embrace digital tools are more productive, more resilient and setting the pace for stronger economic performance. ACCAN will continue to advocate for more competition, fairer practices and simple complaint avenues for digital tools for the consumers and small businesses who increasingly rely on these services. Read the report 👉 cosboa.org.au/squarersvp @CarolJBennett #auspol #smallbusiness

Yesterday, @TPG_Telecom began informing @iiNet customers that a list of historic information including 280,000 active email addresses, 20,000 landline phone numbers, 10,000 usernames, street addresses and phone numbers and around 1,700 modem set-up passwords were compromised by hackers. As our CEO @CarolJBennett told the Australian @FinancialReview, this breach shows that the federal government needs to stop stalling on reforms to national privacy laws. Cyber breaches are costly and unproductive, and reforms should be legislated to set guard rails on how companies kept and managed consumer data. TPG (owner of iiNet) have been proactively contacting customers who are affected and have set up a dedicated hotline on 1300 861 036, live update page on the TPG website as well IDCARE 1800 595 160 for free, expert advice and support. Read more: afr.com/companies/tele… @jennywiggins #iinet #tpg #auspol #databreach #cybersecurity

ACCAN CEO @CarolJBennett tells @abcadelaide that Australia’s current Universal Service Obligation, still based on 1990s technology, is outdated and inflexible, covering only pay phones and fixed landlines. The proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) would expand mobile coverage from 30% to nearly 100% using satellite-to-mobile technology, creating a reliable safety net for all Australians. ACCAN fully supports this effort and would like parliament to implement these changes as a priority. Connectivity isn’t a luxury - it underpins health, education, government services, and social connection. “Communications products and services are no longer a 'nice to have'. Everyone now needs connectivity because it’s central to the way we live and function,” Carol said. @nikolaibeilharz #uomo #internet #broadband #advocacy #telecommunications #auspol

Connectivity unlocks Australia’s productivity. Affordable, reliable communications services are the foundation of economic growth and social inclusion – yet for too many Australians, access remains patchy, unaffordable or non-existent. In our submission to Treasury’s Economic Reform Roundtable, ACCAN urged the Government to prioritise reforms that will: 👉 Ensure affordable, reliable communications for all 👉 Modernise universal service obligations to reflect mobile and data usage 👉 Boost real competition and innovation through regulatory reform 👉 Strengthen consumer protections in a rapidly changing market. From remote healthcare to online education, small business growth and smart infrastructure – connectivity underpins every part of the modern economy. It’s time to make it central to Australia’s productivity agenda. 🔗 Read the submission: …d-4dd1-9c80-4202b28d8fef.usrfiles.com/ugd/3d843c_a1e… #telecommunications #communications #digitalinclusion #digitalaccess #auspol #consumerrights #watchdog #internet #connectivity

🚨 Breaking: @YouTube added to social media ban for under 16s. Prime Minister @AlboMP and Minister for Communications @AnikaWells have announced that YouTube will be included in the government’s proposed social media minimum age laws. ACCAN welcomes the extension. We want to see parents empowered and platforms held accountable—without exceptions. Including #YouTube strikes a balance by preserving the platform’s educational benefits while reducing the risks posed by its complex and often predatory algorithms. This decision answers strong community concern about the impacts of social media on children’s mental and social wellbeing. It sets clear boundaries that empowers parents while holding tech platforms to account—and shows global leadership Australia can be proud of. Read our statement: accan.org.au/accan-s-media-… #youtubeban #socialmediaban #digitalsafety #kidsonline #auspol #socialmedia

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett joined @abcadelaide recently to talk about @SenatorPayman's Click to Cancel campaign — and the stories from listeners came flooding in. One described trying to cancel his Amazon Prime account as feeling like Indiana Jones searching for the Holy Grail. Another cancelled a food delivery service over the phone — only to be charged $290 over the next two months. When they asked why? They were pointed to the terms and conditions. We’re calling on the federal government to step up and follow the lead of countries like India, the US, UK and EU — all of which have introduced laws to stop consumers being trapped in unwanted subscriptions. It’s time to make cancelling as easy as signing up. @CPRC_research @Rory_McClaren #clicktocancel #indianajones #auspol #amazon #amazonprime #consumerrights #consumerprotection #watchdog #activism

Starting a subscription takes seconds. Cancelling it shouldn’t take hours. Our CEO @CarolJBennett joined Senator for WA @SenatorPayman in Canberra today to launch the Click to Cancel campaign, calling for reform to ensure that cancellation processes are quick and simple, free from tricks and stalling tactics that have become all too common. Thanks to @CPRC_research, we know that: ⏳ Nearly half of Australians spend more time than they intend in trying to cancel a subscription 🤯 Nearly 1 in 3 people have felt pressured to keep a subscription 😤 Three quarters of Australians (75%) with subscriptions have had some form of negative experience when trying to cancel a subscription 💸 10% of people have found the unsubscribe process so difficult that they gave up all together – and continued paying for a service they no longer want! Visit clicktocancel.com.au and sign the petition to demand change! #clicktocancel #senatorfatimapayman #auspol

In a market where real competition is limited, we need better tools and safeguards—like a concessional broadband product and an independent, trusted comparison tool to help people find fairer deals. With the ACCAN Consumer Sentiment Tracker, we have another tool to inform our policy solutions to government, regulators and industry on practical changes that make communications fairer, more affordable, accessible and reliable for everyone. The research suite – Consumer Sentiment Tracker, July 2025, is now available on the ACCAN website: accan.org.au/accan-s-media-… @CarolJBennett #accan #broadband #auspol #telecommunications #digitalinclusion #consumerrights #mobileplan #internetplan #mobile #internet

Our CEO @CarolJBennett wrote about @acmadotgov's recent spectrum proposal in the @canberratimes this morning. At stake in this complex but important issue: 💰 Up to $3.2 billion in public revenue 🔒 Restrict competition to current telcos pushing up prices for consumers 📲 Access to innovative and new products To safeguard public revenue and promote competition in the telecommunications sector, the government must consider if ACMA’s intent to conduct auctions for expiring spectrum licenses is a suitable approach. Read in full: canberratimes.com.au/story/9008594/… @profholden @AnikaWells #acma #spectrum #spectrumauction #spectrumlicence #auspol #telco #economics #telco #telcos #consumerrights #consumerprotection #watchdog #consumerwatchdog

🚨 Breaking from @abcnews @danziffer this morning: ACMA @acmadotgov is proposing to renew valuable spectrum licences - but this decision means taxpayers may miss out on several billion dollars in licence fees. We are concerned this could entrench existing market power and fail to deliver fair value for Australian consumers. As our CEO @CarolJBennett told the ABC, "If we don't have new entrants into the market, we don't have increased competition and therefore we don't drive down prices and we don't enable the best new technologies to be available to the Australian consumer." Leading economist Professor Richard Holden @profholden says it’s hard to understand why ACMA would not hold an auction, adding that such a move is certainly not in the interest of Australian taxpayers. What’s next? A government spokesperson says ACMA is still consulting stakeholders about the future of spectrum licences, "including views on renewal of the spectrum licences" and how they would be priced. Read more: abc.net.au/news/2025-07-0… @AnikaWells #acma #spectrum #spectrumauction #abcnews #spectrumlicence #auspol #telco #economics #telco #telcos #consumerrights #consumerprotection #watchdog #consumerwatchdog

📡 Spectrum is the invisible highway which powers our communications services - and it is a public asset worth billions. Telcos pay good money to use this valuable asset, but their licences will soon expire. Instead of holding an auction in accordance as we have done for decades and as international best practice dictates, the regulator wants to roll over existing licences, giving major telco players a significant advantage, leaving Aussie taxpayers out of pocket an estimated $2–3.2 billion, and hampering competition and innovation. ACCAN CEO @CarolJBennett spoke to @abcnews to unpack what’s at stake. 👉 Watch the interview and share your thoughts with us: youtube.com/watch?v=62Tf7L… @acmadotgov @profholden @danziffer @anikawellsmp #acma #spectrum #spectrumauction #abcnews #spectrumlicence #auspol #telco #economics #telco #telcos #consumerrights #consumerprotection #watchdog #consumerwatchdog

The communications regulator @acmadotgov is proposing to extend existing expiring spectrum licences to current legacy telcos for up to 16 years rather than hold a competitive auction process. Spectrum is a highly valuable and finite public asset that should attract the best possible price for taxpayers. But as Professor Richard Holden @profholden, one of this country's foremost economists has warned, this decision could result in: 💸 Australian taxpayers and the Treasury short-changed to the tune of between $2.0-$3.2 billion 📉 A lack of competition that will lead to higher prices and reduced service offerings ❌ A lack of innovation and the newest and latest technology made available to Australian consumers. According to Professor Holden, the rationale ACMA has used to justify this decision is "contrary to basic facts." Instead he recommends that expiring spectrum licenses be auctioned, and that international experts in market design should be consulted about the auction format. Australians deserve transparency and accountability for decisions that are in the public interest. Read our statement: accan.org.au/accan-s-media-… @CarolJBennett @AnikaWells #acma #spectrum #spectrumauction #abcnews #spectrumlicence #auspol #telco #economics #telco #telcos #consumerrights #consumerprotection #watchdog #consumerwatchdog