057/05
20 May 2005

Low-income telecommunications consumers protected

A report released today by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, confirms that arrangements put in place by the Australian Government for low-income telecommunications consumers are working.

“The Government is committed to continuing to support low-income earners and promoting access to affordable telecommunication services that meet their needs,” Senator Coonan said.

“The package of support put in place by Telstra has made sure low-income consumers continue to stay in touch with friends, family, potential employers and the community.”

The second annual report of the Low-Income Measures Assessment Committee (LIMAC) reports on the effectiveness of Telstra’s low-income package, ‘Access for Everyone’, and its marketing by Telstra.

Access for Everyone provides discounts to pensioners, works with welfare agencies, offers bill relief to people who are really struggling financially and provides a message service for people living on the streets and in shelters.

“ As an independent committee set up to advise Telstra on services to low-income customers, LIMAC plays a significant and vital role in ensuring that low-income consumers are able to enjoy services that meet their telecommunications needs,” Senator Coonan said.

“ I applaud the work LIMAC is doing in this area and I hope that co-operation and collaboration between welfare agencies and Telstra will continue and strengthen over the coming years, to enhance access to and affordability of telecommunications services for low-income Australians.”

The Government changed Telstra’s carrier licence conditions in June 2002 to require it to have a package of products available for low-income consumers.

The Government also required Telstra to set up LIMAC, comprising representatives of welfare agencies, to oversee Telstra’s activities in this area and report annually to Government.

These obligations were imposed as part of the price control arrangements on Telstra.

“I am pleased LIMAC considers that the Access for Everyone package, through providing a range of targeted products and services to meet varying customer circumstances, is meeting these objectives,” Senator Coonan said.

The LIMAC Annual Report can be accessed at www.telstra.com.au/accessforeveryone/development.htm or by telephoning 1800 804 591.