Australia - consumer protection code

ACMA Releases New Code Of Conduct For Telcos
see copy of the code

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a new Telecommunications Consumer Protections Industry Code that is designed to consolidate consumer protections in the new converged communications market.

"In developing the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Industry Code, Communications Alliance and industry have taken a significant step forward in addressing and resolving some of the growing complexities confronted by consumers in the telecommunications space,' said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

The new code covers the following consumer protection matters previously covered by separate codes –

* advertising;
* point-of-sale information;
* fair consumer contracts;
* billing;
* credit management;
* customer transfer; and
* complaints handling.

ACMA has deregistered these six separate codes and registration of the new consolidated code means it is the single one with which industry has to comply.