ACCAN consumer telco advocacy body gets heads

An ex-ACCC deputy chair and the chief of the Consumers’ Telecommunications Network (CTN) have been appointed to the Government’s newly-formed consumer telecommunications representative body.

Allan Asher, a previous Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair, has been named the inaugural CEO, while Teresa Corbin, of CTN is the deputy CEO.

Both will formally commence their roles in July.

Asher has also held positions with the Trade Practices Commission, Choice, EnergyWatch (UK), Which? (UK) and Consumers International.

"The appointment of Asher as Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) CEO is good news for communications consumers," Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said.

"For too long consumer concerns in communications have not been given the attention or profile they deserve."

Conroy recently blasted the telecommunications industry for its poor record on consumer issues, granting new powers to regulator ACMA in conjunction with the forming of ACCAN.

The communications minister heralded Asher' reputation as "a tireless and outstanding consumer advocate."

"He will provide strong leadership and raise the voice of consumers in our communications sector," Conroy said.

"The Rudd Government has committed to improve consumer representation in the communications sector and has worked to establish ACCAN in cooperation with existing consumer bodies."