New consumer telco body will cost $700,000

"Consumers are frustrated that their needs and complaints are not adequately recognised by telecommunications providers," Conroy said.

"This $700,000 grant will raise the voice of consumers in telecommunications by supporting the establishment of a new peak representative body, the Australian Communications Consumers Action Network (ACCAN)."

"This is an important development for consumers, who through this new group will have a more powerful voice and will be better represented in the establishment of frameworks for future service delivery."

The Federal Government announced the policy at a Consumer Representation Stakeholder forum on 1 May this year that it would support the establishment of a new national peak body to provide telecommunications consumers with a stronger unified voice.

The $700,000 grant will used by ACCAN for establishment, recruitment, legal and research activities prior to its official launch on 1 July 2009. It follows the allocation of $87,000 in funding in June 2008.

Funding to advance consumer representation follows the Governments recent endorsement of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman's connect.resolve campaign to improve complaints resolution in the telecommunications sector.

"ACCAN has already started to identify priority research areas to ensure its position as the authoritative peak telecommunications consumer organisation," Conroy said.

"I welcome the lead ACCAN is taking on these issues. Strong consumer representation in telecommunications will put pressure on the industry to lift its game and respond better to consumer needs."

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