Author: Comms Room Staff

Four-fold rise in participation highlights regional connectivity concerns

The Albanese Government has welcomed the 2024 report from the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC), which provides recommendations to improve connectivity in regional, rural,...

Longtime advocate for multiculturalism takes key role on SBS Board

Dr Nicholas Pappas AM has been appointed by the Albanese Government as a non-executive Director of the SBS Board for a five-year term. Dr Pappas...

Boosting First Nations connectivity with community Wi-Fi initiatives

The Albanese Government’s $20 million program is providing free community-wide Wi-Fi to 15 remote First Nations communities, enhancing connectivity and bridging the digital divide. The...

Regulatory action highlights importance of Triple Zero reliability

ACCAN has praised the regulatory action taken against Telstra for its major Triple Zero failures earlier this year. The organisation is also advocating for an...

NBN consumer advocacy expanded with $2.56M government grant

A $2.56 million Australian Government grant to ACCAN will give consumers a voice in shaping how the NBN better serves communities nationwide. As the peak...

Government initiatives to ensure fairer telco services

The Albanese Government is providing additional funding to ACCAN, supporting its advocacy for telco consumers as part of the 2024-25 Budget commitment. As the peak...

$83 million lost to phone scams: Australia and UK step up cooperation

Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement between their communications regulators to jointly tackle phone scams, spam, and unsolicited calls. The Australian...

Mandatory SMS Sender ID Register: Strengthening communication trust

Australians frustrated by fake, deceptive, and harmful text message scams will benefit as the SMS Sender ID Register becomes mandatory. ACCAN, Australia’s peak communications consumer...

Television access prioritised for remote Australian communities

The Albanese Government has delivered legislation that enables continued access to television broadcasting services in remote and regional Australia. The Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional Broadcasting...

New leadership for the Classification Board: Steven Thomson takes the helm

The Albanese Government has appointed Steven Thomson as Director of the Classification Board and reappointed Hellen Perko as a full-time member, both for two-year terms....

Government investment transforms broadband communication in Queensland

Over 800,000 homes and businesses in Queensland can now upgrade to world-class full-fibre NBN broadband. This upgrade has been made possible through investment from the...

eSafety exposes communication risks in tech-enabled coercive control

New research from eSafety reveals that nearly a quarter of Australians believe it’s reasonable to have access to a partner’s device codes. Additionally, over 1...

ACCAN highlights unresolved telco complaints in TIO report

ACCAN has welcomed the release of data from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, praising its transparency. The report highlights a slight year-on-year rise in complaints and...

Elevating public sector engagement at the 19th Social Media for Gov Summit

The 19th Social Media for Gov Summit, held from 30 October to 1 November 2024 at the Pullman Albert Park Melbourne, brought together public sector...

Albanese Government invests in reliable mobile coverage along key Victorian roads

The Albanese Government has announced $8 million in funding to improve mobile coverage along highways and major roads in regional Victoria. This initiative will benefit...

Social media, communication, and ‘brain rot’: Unpacking the claims behind digital overload

Extended periods of consuming digital content are often thought to contribute to mental fog and diminished focus. However, two UNSW psychologists have found little evidence...

Improved mobile connectivity boosts communication resilience in Torquay

Locals and visitors to Torquay will benefit from enhanced safety, connectivity, and information access. These improvements come through mobile connectivity and resilience upgrades under the...

Government reviews online safety framework to strengthen protection

The Albanese Government welcomes the final report from the independent statutory review of the Online Safety Act 2021. The comprehensive review considered the current provisions...

Rise in bank impersonation scams highlights need for customer vigilance

Scammers are on the rise, posing as bank representatives through calls, emails, or messages to steal people’s money. The scammers ask you for personal or...

Addressing bias and fairness: AI’s impact on legal decision-making

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming embedded in the legal framework, presenting substantial opportunities and challenges for Australia’s public sector. AI technology evolves and significantly impacts...