Response to the Government's Implementation Roadmap for the Digital Platforms Inquiry
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is pleased to see the Government’s Response and Implementation Roadmap for the Digital Platforms Inquiry, published today (Thursday 12 December 2019) has accepted its recommendation on running a pilot external dispute resolution mechanism for consumers, businesses and digital platforms.
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Board Chair The Hon. Prof. Michael Lavarch said, “Ensuring digital platform users have access to a single complaint framework accommodating the converging communications landscape is required and appropriate. The digital platform landscape is complex and the appropriate regulatory and legislative reform will take time to settle. A Digital Platforms Ombudsman pilot with a clear remit to support users already experiencing detriment is a step that can be taken while the broader issues continue to be assessed.”
Ombudsman Judi Jones said, “We will continue working closely with the Department of Communications and the Arts, regulators, industry and consumer stakeholders on the development of the pilot external dispute resolution scheme.”
“While our priority remains the delivery of efficient and effective external dispute resolution services for phone and internet consumers and providers, this work will complement our existing role in the sector.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For all media enquiries please contact the Media Team on 0437 548 540 or mediaenquiries@tio.com.au.
About the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman provides a free and independent dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses who have an unresolved complaint about their phone or internet service. Consumers and small businesses should contact www.tio.com.au or 1800 062 058.
The Telecommunications Industry Sector
The Telecommunications industry regulators are the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) http://www.acma.gov.au Media enquiries to 02 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) https://www.accc.gov.au Media enquiries to 1300 138 917, media@accc.gov.au
Government and the regulators set policy and regulations for the telecommunications sector.
Communications Alliance is the peak body for Australian communications industry http://www.commsalliance.com.au Media enquiries to Sefiani Communications, (www.sefiani.com.au) 61 431 478 558.
The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation representing individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit groups as consumers of communications products and services. http://accan.org.au/index.php Media enquiries to 0409 966 931 or 02 9288 4000.
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from all nations of this land.