Consumer Representation Grants (Section 593)

Overview

Section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 enables the Minister for Communications to make grants to consumer bodies for purposes in connection with the representation of the interests of consumers in relation to telecommunications issues; or in connection with research into the social, economic, environmental or technological implications of developments relating to telecommunications. The Australian Government provides funding to support telecommunications consumer representation and research through the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN). The guidelines attached outline the Consumer Representation Grants program, for which this funding is being provided. The objective of the Consumer Representation Grants program is to support the achievement of Outcome 1 as outlined in the 2016-17 Portfolio Budget Statements for the Department of Communications and the Arts: "Promote an innovative and competitive communications sector, through policy development, advice and program delivery, so all Australians can realise the full potential of digital technologies and communications services".