ACMA seeks consumer representatives for advisory forum

news The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking to appoint up to seven consumer representatives to the Consumer Consultative Forum (CCF).

Via biannual meetings, the CCF brings together stakeholders from the telecoms sector, including consumers, industry and government, to discuss issues of relevance to users of mobiles, the Internet and fixed-line telephones.

Further, the CCF makes recommendations to the ACMA based on its conclusions.

‘The CCF is a valuable opportunity for consumer representatives to share their concerns with industry and government and make a real difference,’ said Chris Chapman, Chair of the ACMA.

The ACMA is hoping to represent diverse consumer groups on a range of consumer issues, Chapman explained, adding that individuals representing youth, the disabled, rural and non-English speaking background communities are encouraged to apply.

“The ACMA has already made a massive difference to consumer welfare in this space over the last five or so years, including better complaint-handling by telecommunications providers, improved product disclosure practices and spend management alerts for both domestic and overseas usage,” Chapman said.

Expressions of interest in the positions should be made by 29 February 2016.

The CCF provides a forum for consumers and businesses to engage on communications consumer issues. It allows the ACMA to maintain access to representative perspectives on issues affecting consumers and, further, to consider the interests of more disadvantaged consumers.

The ACMA is the independent statutory authority tasked with ensuring that Australia’s media and communications legislation and regulations, and related standards and codes of practice, operate effectively and in the public interest.