On the 31st August I attended a meeting at the Australian Communications Consumer Advocacy Network (ACCAN) Sydney office to discuss ACCAN’s Draft Strategy Consultation paper, which will become the ACCAN strategic plan over the next five years.
ACCAN is the peak body that represents all consumers on communications issues including telecommunications, broadband and emerging new services. ACCAN provides a strong unified voice to industry and government as consumers work towards availability, accessibility and affordability of communications services for all Australians.
ACCAN’s goals and activities include:
- Improved accessibility, affordability and availability of communications services to all consumers;
- Better informed consumers with access to Australian information and communications technology resources;
- A strong, co-ordinated voice which uses our diversity as a point of strength for communications consumers, nationally and internationally;
- Effective advocacy for consumers to Government, regulators and the industry in the development of policy, legislation and industry practices;
- Inclusive consultation with stakeholders to identify areas and priorities for industry and/or regulatory responses;
- Robust research to support evidence based policy development and consumer education programs;
- Meaningful participation in regulatory and co-regulatory activities including industry codes, standards and guidelines
- Outreach, campaigns and activities that involve consumers in the communications arena
- Enhanced capacity for consumer representatives through information seminars, training and international engagement
- Openness, transparency and inclusion of all parties interested in representing consumers on communications issues
Members of the Disability Consultation Group who attended the Sydney consultation meeting included:
Sue Salthouse – Women With Disabilities Australia – Chairperson/Board Member
Andrew Stewart – Deafness Forum
Andrew Wiltshire – Deaf Australia
Denise Wood – University of South Australia
Frank Nowlan – Blind Citizens Australia
Jan Ashford – Communication Aid Users Society
Leah Hobson – Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
Rob Garrett – Novita Children’s Services
Barry Dingle (by teleconference)
Further information about ACCAN is available from the website: http://www.accan.org.au/
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