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.”