039/06
9 May 06

Funding for telecommunications consumer and research grants

The Australian Government will provide $3.4 million over four years for the Telecommunications Consumer Representation and Research Grants Programme, bringing the total funding allocated since its inception in 1998 to $9.8 million.

“The Consumer Representation Grants are recognised as a world-leading initiative, supporting consumer organisations to participate in developing telecommunications policy and legislation, as well as better information for consumers about their legal rights and available service options,” said the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.

Over recent years the majority of funding was given to three peak bodies representing residential, small business, and disabled consumers, respectively:

• the Consumers' Telecommunications Network;
• the Small Enterprise Telecommunications Centre; and
• the Telecommunications Disability Consumer Representation.

The grants complement new funding available for consumer participation in the development of consumer-related codes, following the passage of legislation in September 2005. An estimate of annual grants under the programme is recovered by the Government from licensed telecommunications carriers.

The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) will shortly be inviting applications from consumer bodies for funding of representation activities in 2006–07.

“The Telecommunications Research Grants have also provided an important source of data for policy and programme development in telecommunications,” Senator Coonan said.

“Funded research has addressed a wide range of issues, including services for remote Indigenous communities, supply and demand for broadband services and services for people with severe disabilities.”

Future administration of the research grants by the Communications Research Unit of DCITA will help to ensure funds are directed to the most worthwhile research and provide the best value for money.

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

• The Consumer Representation Grants are recognised as a world-leading initiative, supporting consumer organisations to develop telecommunications policy and legislation, as well as better information for consumers about their legal rights and available service options
• The Telecommunications Research Grants have also provided an important source of data for policy and programme development in telecommunications

Who will benefit?

• Telecommunications consumers, research organisations

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• $3.4 million over four years including $0.2m for DCITA running costs. The $3.2 million available for grants should be fully recovered from industry under the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997 .

What have we done in the past?

• $6.4 million funded since 1998

When will the initiative conclude?

• The four year funding cycle will conclude on 30 June 2010. The programme will be reviewed in late 2009.