COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE LOOKS FORWARD TO FURTHER ENGAGEMENT ON CONSUMER SAFEGUARDS REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS

Sydney, 15 November 2018: Communications Alliance today welcomed the decision to retain the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), but cautioned against Government recommendations that could threaten its independence.

Communications Alliance CEO, John Stanton, also expressed concern about recommendations in Part A of the Government’s Consumer Safeguards Review that could drive up the costs of the TIO scheme, to the detriment of consumers and industry alike.

Mr Stanton welcomed the opportunity, offered by Government, to engage with stakeholders during coming months on the practicality of the 32 Part A recommendations and their potential implementation.

He said the independence of the TIO was one of its core strengths as the external dispute resolution body for the telco sector.

“Industry has never controlled the TIO – nor should we.

“By the same token, we do not believe that the TIO should be placed under the control of the industry regulator, the ACMA.”

“Also, given the very extensive record keeping rules that have just been put in place by the ACMA, and the fact that the new Complaints Handling Standard is still being implemented – as highlighted by the Government’s paper – we would have concerns about too hastily implementing the recommendations related to those brand-new instruments.

“Many of the recommendations would act to drive up the cost of what is already an expensive scheme; and the cost of delivering telecommunications services to consumers and small businesses.

“We need to look critically at whether additional layers of regulation would add real value, or just extra expense.

“A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) would help do that, but, in its absence, we look forward to working with Government, consumers, the TIO and other stakeholders to help draw out the best and most practicable elements of the recommendations.”

ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE
Communications Alliance is the primary communications industry body in Australia. Its membership is drawn from a wide cross-section of the communications industry, including carriers, carriage and internet service providers, content providers, platform providers, equipment vendors, IT companies, consultants and business groups.

Its vision is to be the most influential association in Australian communications, co-operatively initiating programs that promote sustainable industry development, innovation and growth, while generating positive outcomes for customers and society. 

The prime mission of Communications Alliance is to create a co-operative stakeholder environment that allows the industry to take the lead on initiatives which grow the Australian communications industry, enhance the connectivity of all Australians and foster the highest standards of business behaviour.  For more details about Communications Alliance, see www.commsalliance.com.au.

Media information contact:
Sefiani
Aprille Lim  alim@sefiani.com.au
0413 317 788