A change to the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Code to improve safeguards for victims of domestic or family violence have been approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
This follows a report from the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence which recommended change for victims who have difficulty paying phone or Internet bills.
The change will give such people better access to financial hardship arrangements which may include flexible options for payment of bills.
"Telecommunications services are important for consumers generally, but are vital for consumers who have experienced family violence," said acting ACMA chairman James Cameron.
{loadposition sam08}"The Code now explicitly recognises that family and domestic violence may be just causes for a consumer to seek access to financial hardship arrangements.
"This variation is an important first step in implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendation. Industry peak body, Communications Alliance has also committed to develop industry guidance by the end of the year, that will provide telcos with practical advice on dealing sensitively with customers affected by family violence.
"How telcos deal with the consequences of family violence is very important, so we will be monitoring the development of the guidance closely."
The ACMA will monitor progress of the guidance with a comprehensive review of the Code to commence shortly.