040/05
22 April 2005

Improved telecommunications code of practice for customer information

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan today welcomed the revised telecommunications industry code of practice for ‘ Customer Information on Prices, Terms and Conditions’ developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF).

Registered today by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), providers may now be directed to comply with code rules revised under the auspices of ACIF.

“The revised code of practice is another success for the Australian Government’s self-regulatory regime for telecommunications,” Senator Coonan said.

“The revised code has been finalised after an extensive review process and difficult negotiations on issues of considerable importance to the industry and consumers.

“Improvements to the code have resulted from industry and consumer representatives working through important issues and developing a set of rules governing the way people are presented with information about telecommunications goods and services.”

The revised code will complement ACIF’s recently released Consumer Contracts code, which addresses unfair terms in telecommunications contracts.

“Both these codes will enhance consumer confidence in today’s increasingly complex telecommunications market,” Senator Coonan said.

“Consumers can be confident that the code now guarantees the availability of sufficient, accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions about phone and Internet services.

“The Australian Government will continue to monitor industry developments and respond where necessary to facilitate industry outcomes in the best interests of consumers.”

The code will complement general trade practices legislation, including the Trade Practices Act 1974 and relevant state and territory fair trading laws.

The Code is available from the ACIF website at www.acif.org.au/publications/codes