The Albanese Government has released a new Statement of Expectations for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to reinforce the importance of its regulatory functions, particularly in relation to matters of public safety and community protections.
The ACMA plays an important role in regulating communications and media services in Australia, including setting and managing rules to protect consumers, investigating complaints and taking enforcement action where appropriate.
The revised Statement outlines the ACMA's existing role to actively monitor relevant sectors to identify and address regulatory gaps, and advise Government on technological and market trends to highlight emerging risks in the communications and media sector.
It reinforces that consumers are at the centre of the ACMA's regulatory work, setting out expectations that the ACMA works to minimise harm to consumers, promote better consumer outcomes, and undertake public education activities.
The Statement aligns with the Albanese Government's strong focus on protecting telecommunications customers, ensuring they can access the services and support they need, when they need it.
This work has included directing the ACMA to make new rules requiring telco providers to communicate effectively with their customers and the public during major network outages, directing the ACMA to make the Financial Hardship Standard to provide safeguards for consumers struggling with their telco bills, and directing the ACMA to make rules to appropriately support and assist consumers affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.
To view the ACMA's Statement of Expectations, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/australian-communications-and-media-authority-statement-expectations
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Australian Communications and Media Authority plays a vital role in regulating communications and media services that all Australians rely on to stay informed and connected.
"That's why it's important that consumers are at the centre of its work - which is what the new Statement of Expectations reinforces.
"The new Statement also sets out our expectations that ACMA be a proactive and visible regulator, identifying gaps and emerging issues early, and making sure Australians know where and how to get help if they need it.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with the ACMA as it executes its important functions."
