153/04
9 November 2004

ACCC draft report on Price Controls

In April 2004 the Government directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to conduct a public inquiry into the price controls arrangements that should apply to Telstra when the current price control period expires in June 2005.

Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today welcomed the ACCC's draft report, which has been issued for public comment.

"Price control arrangements are an important telecommunications consumer safeguard," Senator Coonan said. "The Government has committed to retaining price controls on Telstra and to retaining protections for low income consumers."

"The report the ACCC has released is a draft position and they have invited public comment. I would encourage interested parties, including members of the telecommunications industry and consumers, to come forward with their comments.

"The Government will be closely considering the ACCC's final report with a view to putting new price control arrangements in place before the current price controls expire in June 2005."

The ACCC will deliver its final report to the Minister by 31 January 2005.

Media Contact:   Jane McMillan  0438 690 305